Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has revealed that there is no point in getting worked up about the criticism his side have received for their style of football this season.
While the Red Devils are just four points off league leaders Manchester City and are well positioned in their Champions League group, their style of football has attracted heavy criticism.
Many feel the possession-based football they are playing under Louis van Gaal doesn’t suit Manchester United and they should revert to a more cavalier approach.
However, Carrick conceded that the team cannot afford the opinions of others to affect the way they have been playing, as different people have different views.
Paul Scholes has been scathing about his former team’s tactics under Van Gaal and has said that he would not have liked to play in the current Manchester United team.
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Carrick has no problems with his former team-mate's criticism and said that as footballers they are conditioned to receive praise and brick-bats in equal measure.
"There are so many opinions out there", Carrick was quoted as saying by the BBC.
"If you start worrying about what people are saying about you on TV or in the papers then you are in trouble.
"There is nothing wrong with those [Scholes’] comments.
"You have to take the rough with the smooth and if you accept the pats on the back then you have to accept the criticism when it comes.
"I have respect for Scholesy and that isn't going to change."
The midfielder also insisted that the days of cavalier football are gone and he is happy to play the way Van Gaal wants him to play in the current Manchester United team.
When asked about their style of play, Carrick replied "What do you do? Throw it in the box and hope or do you play football and try and pass it and break them down?
"There is a lot made of tactics and things at the minute, but as players we can't get too involved in that. We just do what the manager tells us."
