Sir Alex Ferguson Hails Paul Scholes As He Approaches 600-game for Manchester United
Sir Alex Ferguson has said that Paul Scholes could have played in any league in Europe as he approaches his 600th appearance for the club
It is not only on the field that Paul Scholes has been regarded as untouchable. The player that Zinedine Zidane described as "the greatest midfielder of his generation" is expected to make his 600th appearance for Manchester United in tonight's game against Portsmouth, yet it is intriguing to learn that the landmark will pass without Sir Alex Ferguson ever having received an offer for the 34-year-old. "Funnily enough we have never had one inquiry and you know why?" said Ferguson. "They all know he wouldn't want to leave here."
So it appears. Scholes, who has been on the Old Trafford payroll since 1991, is United through and through. Only three players have made more United appearances – Ryan Giggs, Sir Bobby Charlton and Bill Foulkes – while his record of 142 goals means he sits 12th in the club's all-time scoring list. Those are the personal statistics but for evidence of his wider contribution the best place to look is the Old Trafford trophy cabinet.
From the moment he made his debut in 1994, Scholes has been one of the club's most influential figures. A man of few words off the pitch, he could not be more expressive on it, whether delivering a glorious crossfield pass or, as was so often the case in his earlier days, arriving into the penalty area with perfect timing. His qualities have left an impression on opponents and team-mates alike but no one has had a better opportunity to appreciate his talent than Ferguson.
"In my time he would sit in the top six or seven [United players] without question," said Ferguson. "His contribution and his quality and some of the fantastic goals he has scored have been great. Even on Sunday [against Everton], when he came on his first touch of the ball was better than anybody else had done for the whole previous hour. He has that wonderful velvet touch that means it just goes dead when he gets it. Amidst all of the mayhem that can happen in a game it is wonderful to see that."
With such technique it is easy to understand why Ferguson says Scholes "could have played in any league in Europe - no problem". Indeed, at United's Carrington training ground, seasoned internationals continue to marvel at the 34-year-old's ability. "He'll do ridiculous things in training like say, 'You see that tree over there?' - it'll be 40 yards away - 'I'm going to hit it'. And he'll do it," said Rio Ferdinand. "Everyone at the club considers him the best."
Ferguson points out that, but for two knee operations and the eye condition that required him to have a complete rest for six months, Scholes, who has one more year on his contract at Old Trafford, would be approaching the 700 rather than 600 milestone tonight. No matter. Those who have seen the former England international over the past 15 years feel privileged rather than short-changed.
"I have no hesitation in putting a name to the embodiment of all that I think is best about football. It's Paul Scholes," Sir Bobby Charlton said earlier this season. "Many great players have worn the shirt of Manchester United. Players I worshiped, then lost with my youth in Munich. Players like Denis Law and George Best who I enjoyed so much as team-mates and now, finally, players I have watched closely in the Alex Ferguson era. And in so many ways Scholes is my favorite. I love his nous and conviction that he will find a way to win, to make the killer pass or produce the decisive volley. When a game reaches a vital phase, these qualities seem to come out of his every pore. He's always on the ball, always turning on goal. He's always looking to bring other people into the action and if he loses possession you think he must be ill."
So it appears. Scholes, who has been on the Old Trafford payroll since 1991, is United through and through. Only three players have made more United appearances – Ryan Giggs, Sir Bobby Charlton and Bill Foulkes – while his record of 142 goals means he sits 12th in the club's all-time scoring list. Those are the personal statistics but for evidence of his wider contribution the best place to look is the Old Trafford trophy cabinet.
From the moment he made his debut in 1994, Scholes has been one of the club's most influential figures. A man of few words off the pitch, he could not be more expressive on it, whether delivering a glorious crossfield pass or, as was so often the case in his earlier days, arriving into the penalty area with perfect timing. His qualities have left an impression on opponents and team-mates alike but no one has had a better opportunity to appreciate his talent than Ferguson.
"In my time he would sit in the top six or seven [United players] without question," said Ferguson. "His contribution and his quality and some of the fantastic goals he has scored have been great. Even on Sunday [against Everton], when he came on his first touch of the ball was better than anybody else had done for the whole previous hour. He has that wonderful velvet touch that means it just goes dead when he gets it. Amidst all of the mayhem that can happen in a game it is wonderful to see that."
With such technique it is easy to understand why Ferguson says Scholes "could have played in any league in Europe - no problem". Indeed, at United's Carrington training ground, seasoned internationals continue to marvel at the 34-year-old's ability. "He'll do ridiculous things in training like say, 'You see that tree over there?' - it'll be 40 yards away - 'I'm going to hit it'. And he'll do it," said Rio Ferdinand. "Everyone at the club considers him the best."
Ferguson points out that, but for two knee operations and the eye condition that required him to have a complete rest for six months, Scholes, who has one more year on his contract at Old Trafford, would be approaching the 700 rather than 600 milestone tonight. No matter. Those who have seen the former England international over the past 15 years feel privileged rather than short-changed.
"I have no hesitation in putting a name to the embodiment of all that I think is best about football. It's Paul Scholes," Sir Bobby Charlton said earlier this season. "Many great players have worn the shirt of Manchester United. Players I worshiped, then lost with my youth in Munich. Players like Denis Law and George Best who I enjoyed so much as team-mates and now, finally, players I have watched closely in the Alex Ferguson era. And in so many ways Scholes is my favorite. I love his nous and conviction that he will find a way to win, to make the killer pass or produce the decisive volley. When a game reaches a vital phase, these qualities seem to come out of his every pore. He's always on the ball, always turning on goal. He's always looking to bring other people into the action and if he loses possession you think he must be ill."
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