Paul Scholes sends Antony cheeky message after winger calls out Man Utd legends for 'malicious' criticism

Paul Scholes has responded to Antony's explosive interview about the criticism he has received from former Manchester United players.

The Brazil international, who moved to Old Trafford from Ajax last year, has come under fire for a failing to live up to his £86 million price tag in a Red Devils shirt.

A number of ex players have taken aim at the 23-year-old, including Paul Scholes, who brutally labelled the winger a "clown" for showboating in the Europa League last season.

Antony has since hit out at those who have criticised his performances, claiming their comments were “unfair and malicious" during an explosive interview.

However, Scholes has had the final word, taking to Instagram to post a cheeky message to the winger ahead of United's crunch clash against Chelsea on Wednesday.

Reposting an article about Antony's interview, the former England international jokingly wrote on his story: "Run as fast as you can up and down, score goals and make goals pls.. good luck tonight my friend @Antony00," accompanied by a kissing emoji.

Instagram/paulscholesaaa

Speaking to The United Stand, Antony originally defended his performances in a United shirt, stating: "Pressure has always been with us for those who play in big clubs, especially regarding United.

“My life has always been very challenging, and I have had to go through many situations that many cannot imagine. I grew up in a hostile place, where eating, having a good house, having the internet, and access to a good education were a privilege; I would say that for us on the ‘favelas,’ all of these were a luxury few people could have.

“This was a period in which I learned to deal with pressure and challenges. The pressure of life. Today, I see criticism coming from former club players and other people in the media, who unreasonably express their opinions and influence thousands of fans, sometimes even when I do not play.

"But I’ve never seen them give constructive criticism, which will help me be a better professional."

Antony added: “None of them have ever sent me a message to see how I am feeling, especially during this period of turbulence that I am going through. The ‘digital court’ is ruining lives; contexts are left aside, and the truth no longer matters.

“I am silently rebuilding myself, and I know that I will be able to be in my best physical and mental shape and overcome all these barriers and challenges that are in front of me because it has always been like this in my life; no one has ever given me anything, I have always fought hard for everything I achieved.

“I would like to know how these people who make these unfair and malicious criticisms fared in my place. I’m 23 years old, and my life has changed radically in the last four years. It wasn’t easy to assimilate and understand all those changes.

“My daily battle is getting back in my best shape and performing at the highest level on the field, regaining my integrity, and having peace of mind.

"I advise those young players to take care of their mental side and work hard; then, things will happen naturally.”