Carlos Queiroz, the Manchester United assistant manager, has apologised to Martin Taylor for suggesting the Birmingham defender is a violent player.

Queiroz mentioned Taylor, who broke Eduardo's leg in a tackle last week, during a furious rant in which he also criticised Martin Atkinson, the referee, and Lassana Diarra, of Portsmouth, after United's 1-0 FA Cup defeat.

"I am deeply sorry if my comments, made when emotions were running high after the Portsmouth game, were misconstrued," the Portuguese coach said.

"Everyone at Manchester United knows that Martin Taylor is not that type of player. All I sought to say was that in the modern game, because of its speed, we need to have more vigilance on mistimed tackles. I apologise for any upset my remarks may have caused."

The Football Association are looking at the post-match comments of both Queiroz and Sir Alex Ferguson, the United manager. Disciplinary charges could follow.