Sir Alex Ferguson believes Paul Scholes is crucial as United
look to edge closer to the Premiership title.
The 32-year-old midfielder was sent off against Liverpool at
Anfield, but after serving his three-match ban he is available for
the Premiership visit of Blackburn on Saturday.
Having chosen to retire from international football, Scholes is one
of the few United players who has not been involved in the Euro
2008 qualifiers in the last two weeks.
Since being sent off against Liverpoool on 3 March, his only outing
has been in the European Celebration match at Old Trafford on 15
March. Sir Alex, therefore, feels the playmaking midfielder should
be fit and fresh as the season enters the final straight.
"Paul regards family life as very important," Sir Alex told Sky
Sports.
"He knows what the travelling with the international team is like
and, coming to his age, I think he felt it was time to give more
time to his family. That is the reason he gave up international
football.
"His form this season has been absolutely fantastic and now we are
getting him back fresh after a little break."
The United boss is likely to have Louis Saha back at his disposal
following a hamstring injury, while Edwin van der Sar (calf), Ole
Gunnar Solksjaer (knee) and Darren Fletcher (ankle) could also be
recalled after recent lay-offs.