Paul Scholes fires back at Alan Shearer after Newcastle legend aims 'brutal' dig at Man Utd pundits

Paul Scholes has fired back at Alan Shearer after he issued a brutal message to former Manchester United stars-turned-pundits.

Man United were held to a goalless draw at Aston Villa as they sit in 14th place in the Premier League table ahead of the October international break.

Former Man United players have been critical of their old side's performances under Erik ten Hag, with the likes of Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand and Scholes making their feelings clear.

Shearer has hit back at the players-turned-pundits and insisted that the Red Devils are currently 'miles and miles' off the standards set under Sir Alex Ferguson.

"They're just not good enough, though," he said on The Rest is Football podcast.

"We hear a lot from the ex-players from Manchester United. But United, [compared to] when they were playing, they're miles and miles away from that!

"They're not good enough in so many positions, particular up front."

Scholes caught wind of Shearer's damning assessment as he returned fire with a ruthless taunt.

On Instagram, he posted an image of the headline, accompanied with the caption: "Come on @alanshearer...you just wish you were an ex-Man Utd star-turned-pundit."

Image: Instagram/Paul Scholes

Of course, Shearer was offered the chance to sign for Man United during his legendary career.

Ferguson initially approached him before he opted to join Blackburn Rovers, then he missed out once again when the ex-forward sign for Newcastle United.

Scholes, meanwhile, has been vocal in his criticism of Man United this season.

After their draw with Villa on Sunday, the former midfielder took aim at Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee, Manuel Ugarte, Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt.

"In forward areas especially, I just don’t think the quality is there. We go back to the most successful teams, they’re capable of scoring goals. What have we scored? Five goals in seven games," he told SuperSport.

"Now we had three or four forwards who could get you 20 goals so you’re looking at 80 goals a season there and I just don’t see that in the forward line at Manchester United. Look, Hojlund does alright but is he gonna score you 20 goals? I don’t think so.

"Zirkzee... what is he? Is he a No.9 or a No.10? Is he going to get you 20 goals? I don’t think so. I think they’re relying more on hope than actual proven quality and they spent so much money as well.

"It’s a ridiculous amount of money, and some of them can’t get in the team! You think of Ugarte coming into the club who was supposed to change the way the midfield was... he didn’t play him.

"De Ligt, £50m, and he didn’t play him. Jonny Evans has come in at 36 years old instead of him. Martinez, Ten Hag brought him into the club. What’s he thinking today? Jonny Evans is playing, Maguire started, [Victor] Lindelof comes on before him. It’s just a recruitment mess, really."