Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has said that he sympathises with former teammate Carlos Tevez over his refusal to play for Manchester City.

The ex-United midfielder also admitted that he refused to play in a League Cup tie in 2001, having been dropped for a previous game.

"I know Carlos quite well. He's a player who wants to be playing," Scholes told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"When he's a sub, it will be killing him. I'm not saying he is right - it's totally up to the manager."

The 36-year-old revealed that he refused Alex Ferguson after being selected in a weakened team for a 2001 League Cup clash with Arsenal.

"You think you should be playing and my head was all over the place. I realise it was stupid," Scholes added.

"I let the manager down and it was something I regretted. It's probably similar to Carlos Tevez's state of mind if it is true he refused to come on.

"Considering what I did, the manager was well within his rights to sack me and do whatever he wanted me to do with me. I went to apologise as soon as I realised I'd made a massive mistake."

Scholes retired from playing in May this year to take up a coaching role at United.