Queiroz could face FA action for his comments

Queiroz mentioned Taylor during a rant against referee Martin Atkinson and Portsmouth's Lassana Diarra following Saturday's 1-0 FA Cup defeat.

Taylor was sent off for breaking the leg of Arsenal striker Eduardo during Birmingham's 2-2 draw at St Andrews.

Queiroz has now apologised to Taylor - but not to Atkinson or Diarra.

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

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"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."

Queiroz had accused Diarra of elbowing Cristiano Ronaldo, and the referee allowing him to use over-physical tactics against the winger for the rest of the game.

"That's why the Taylors of this game can survive and some of the best players are out of the game. It cannot happen any more," Queiroz said on Saturday.

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