ALEX FERGUSON believes the return of Paul Scholes will be
the key to glory this season. Manchester United are still battling
on three fronts, with an FA Cup fourth-round tie against Tottenham
coming up at Old Trafford on Sunday. Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos
Tevez and Wayne Rooney are all on fire in front of
goal.
Yet boss Ferguson is convinced the comeback of 33-year-old Scholes,
fit again after a knee operation last October, will take the side
up to another level. Ferguson said: I am more confident now
Scholes is coming back. He brings a bit of class at important times
in matches. Thats what Scholes is probably best at producing,
moments that turn games. So its a big bonus for us having him
back.
The United veteran has clocked up 548 appearances for United,
scoring 138 goals. Ferguson added: Scholes great asset down the
years has been appearing in the box late. The number of goals he
has scored for us from midfield is unique. His other big assets
are his passing, his composure and his thinking during a
game.
Sprints
At 33, I regard him just as highly as I did when he was 23.
Players like him and Ryan Giggs, who look after themselves, give
themselves extra years. Look at Giggs. Hes flying this season.
Giggs came on at Reading and the stats show he made 45 sprints in
the second half. Thats incredible for a player of his age.
Giggs, at 34, remains a key figure in Uniteds squad, after picking
up a record nine titles for the club. Ferguson cannot envisage Old
Trafford without the pair. He declared: What Ive come to realise
with these two players is I can no longer see an end to their
careers. In fact, I dont expect to see an end!
There must come a day when it will end. But the way its looking
now, I cant see that end coming. I think Ill be away from the
club before they will. Bearing in mind their longevity, they must
be the best two players Ive had.
Giggs has been here since the age of 13 and Scholes is the same.
They have both been here as long as I have. As well as being
Uniteds most decorated player, Giggs is now well on course to beat
Sir Bobby Charltons all-time United appearance record and could
even do it this season.
Charlton notched up 759 games, Giggs is on 742.
Ferguson said: We have 15 games left in the league, so a lot
depends on the cups. I hope it happens in the Champions League
final!