United drew 0-0 at Anfield on Saturday and Mourinho has come under criticism for adopting a defensive approach and playing for a point.

But Scholes, who won 11 Premier League titles during his time at Old Trafford, believes Mourinho did the right thing playing it safe.

The former England international was asked whether he thinks it is acceptable for a United manager to set his team up this way.

"I think it is now, probably two, three or four years ago maybe not. I think it is now because of the position they have been in," he said.

"They haven't been in a position to win the league. I'm not saying they are in a position to win the league now, it's very early, but to go to Anfield is very difficult.

"If you go toe to toe with a team like Liverpool at their place, you know they're a good team, you could get hurt.

"You could win the game, don't get me wrong, you could score goals, but I think that was a typical Man United performance really, he got everything organised and defended brilliantly well and got the point they needed."

The draw ensured United maintained their unbeaten start to the season and sit two points behind table-topping rivals Manchester City.

They face Benfica tonight in the Champions League before travelling to Huddersfield on Saturday.