Louis van Gaal is unconcerned by Paul Scholes’ criticism of Manchester United for “lacking creativity”, citing the nursery rhyme: “Sticks and stones can break my bones but names can never hurt me.”

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Scholes said following the League Cup defeat to Middlesbrough that he would not want to play for the current side and that the team appeared unwilling to take any risks.

United’s Dutch manager, speaking ahead of United’s trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday, insisted he does have an attacking philosophy and brushed off Scholes’ remarks.

“I think Manchester United is always entertaining but when I read the papers I see that it is boring,” said Van Gaal. “You have a saying in England that sticks and stones can break my bones but names can never hurt me.

“You play for the fans, therefore I say to you that the stadium is still full and that, in the League Cup, is unbelievable. That is not normal, so they like the way we have played.

“In spite of the defeat, when we were going to our dressing room, they were applauding. When you go out of the cup, the next day is always like that. As manager of United you know you’re going to have a hard time.”

Asked if the next phase in United’s development under him was to start taking risks, Van Gaal replied: “Now you are agreeing with the opinion of Paul Scholes. I don’t agree with his opinion. I always take risks.

“But I don’t want to defend myself as he is a legend and he has a lot of resonance, I hear.”

Scholes had told BBC Manchester following United’s defeat to Middlesbrough: “There’s a lack of creativity and risk. It’s probably not a team I’d have enjoyed playing in.”

United have scored the fewest goals among the top six in the Premier League but Van Gaal said it would take three years to complete his transformation of the club.

He said: “It’s a process, it takes three years, that’s why I signed for three years. But when Mr Scholes says I have to go, then I must go, but it’s not his responsibility, it is that of Mr Woodward and the Glazers.”