ESPNsoccernet: England

Jonjo Shelvey has revealed he apologised to Sir Alex Ferguson following his foul-mouthed rant against the Manchester United manager.

Jonjo Shelvey is frustrated with his playing time this year (AP)

Shelvey, 20, was red-carded in Liverpool's Premier League defeat against United last month and launched a tirade of abuse in Ferguson's direction as he left the pitch, claiming the Scot had influenced the referee's decision to send him off.

But the midfielder has now revealed that he sought Ferguson post-match and apologised, and that the United boss accepted.

He said: "I'm a young boy and I was frustrated because it was a big game. You come from a council house and before you know it you're playing Man United.

"Emotions probably got the better of me. I was a bit of a silly boy for having a word with him like that, but I pulled him afterwards and apologised. Thankfully, he recognised that it took a man to apologise and hopefully there are no hard feelings there."