Kanchelskis slams Russian trio

Former Manchester United player Andrei Kanchelskis has hit out at three Russian players playing in the Premier League for being greedy.

Kanchelskis singled out compatriots Andrey Arshavin, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov and Roman Pavlyuchenko for criticism, with none having established themselves as first-choice selections in their respective sides this season.

“When I came to Man United no-one paid too much attention to how much I earned, the sort of car I drove and the clothes I wore, even though we had such stars in the team as Eric Cantona, Roy Keane, Andy Cole and Ryan Giggs,” Kanchelskis told Express.

“These days all the players are thinking of is money matters. And I see it as one of their major problems.”

“All the three Russians in the Premier League had times when they played great football but such periods proved to be too short.”

“If only our guys could show more stability, each of them could be leaders of their teams. Unfortunately, that is not happening. And it is likely that they will have to move back to Russia” soon.”

“In my opinion it was easier for me to adjust because I went there with a huge desire. And what I mean is a huge desire to play – not just to make a lot of money.”

Arshavin was initially impressive when he joined Arsenal from Zenit St Petersburg two years ago.

Despite making 15 appearances in the league this season he has scored just once and found himself behind Theo Walcott in the starting line-up.

Bilyaletdinov, who joined Everton from Lokomotiv Moscow in 2009, has had a frustrating time at Goodison Park.

Despite the club not having a great season, he has been limited to just eight matches in the league.

Pavlyuchenko has been linked with a move away from Tottenham and is expected to leave in January as he looks for first team football ahead of Euro 2012.