After Paul Scholes lashed out at Arsenal for being happy to just finish in the top four each season after United lost 2-0 to Liverpool, Arsene Wenger hit back that respect clearly isn’t popular anymore.

The jibe from the former United midfielder wasn’t necessary and all it succeeded in doing was showing Scholes up as the bitter man he is. Deflecting from your own team’s shortcomings isn’t going to make them better. Nor is turning the spotlight on a manager who has been nothing but respectful.

Speaking ahead of our FA Cup clash against Watford, Wenger joked that he didn’t need yet another person on his back but did also appear to accuse Scholes of being disrespectful.

“I have my own problems and my own critics and on top of that I do not want Manchester United’s on my back,” Wenger said.

“I cannot answer for how Paul Scholes feels and what he thinks about the situation.

“I want everybody to be respected – I know it’s not very popular any more but if I ask you if you want to be respected you will say yes.”

Wenger’s comments were, as usual, measured and clever, as they highlight just how petty Scholes was being. Bringing up a rival team’s form just because you’re unhappy with your own is playground behaviour. Also, United will be lucky to even get top four this season.