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Manchester United were never the same as the ‘ginger prince’ finally hung up his boots again last season. United were left with a two big holes to fill as long serving manager Sir Alex Ferguson also decided to call it time on his managerial career.
Manchester United sit 8th on the league table, 8 points behind leaders Liverpool, something that any United fan wouldn’t have thought of in their wildest dream after finishing top of the league to clinch the 20th league title the season ago. United usually hit the ground running after the winter break, but even a surge in form might be a little too much to wish for with the current ongoing transition at Manchester United.
The biggest change might have been Sir Alex steeping down as manager of Manchester United but the one that has affected the most is the retirement of Paul Scholes. Paul Scholes’ retirement was overshadowed by Sir Alex Ferguson’s goodbye. The midfielder was the essential cog in the Manchester United team for the past two decades and his retirement at the end of last season has seen United midfield lack the creativity and the final ball for their forwards. Paul Scholes initially retired in May 2011 but was persuaded to come back from retirement in January 2012 to help Manchester United’s stuttering campaign and steady the ship.
Paul Scholes made his debut on 21 September 1994 in the League Cup and scored both the goals in the 2-1 victory against Port Vale. Three days later in his league debut, he scored another against Ipswich Town in a 3-2 defeat. He made his first full appearance in 1994-1995 but had already turned professional in 1993. He wasn’t a part of the ‘class of 92’ but he did go on to achieve the fame and success of the 92 talents. Paul Scholes made 718 appearances for the Red Devils in his time at Old Trafford only behind, Sir Bobby Charlton and Ryan Giggs. He made his breakthrough in the 1994-95 season as he made 17 appearances and scored five goals. Scholes was an integral member of United’s treble winning team of 1998-1998 as they won the Premier League, FA Cup and the Champions League. The 2002-03 was Scholes’s most fruitful season in front of goal as he netted 20 times that season and lead United to the league title.
There were one of the few moments that are hard to forget if you look at Paul Scholes’ career.
1994, DEBUT:
Sir Alex decided to give this young lad his first match in a League Cup fixture against Port Vale. He hit two goals in his debut to give United the victory. The first goal came through a defensive lapse as Scholes netted with a neat finish. The goal came through a header following a bursting run from the middle which became a trademark as Scholes progressed.Scholes netted seven goals in his debut campaign.
1999, FA CUP Final:
He was ruled out of the Champions League final showdown against Bayern Munich in 1999 through suspension as he picked up successive yellow cards against Juventus in the semi-finals. The match went down as one of the greatest games in the competition’s history as United scored twice in the injury time to seal a 2-1 victory in a thrilling fashion.
But Scholes did play his part in the FA Cup a few days earlier.
Manchester United went up against Newcastle United at Wembley competing for the FA Cup. In the fine afternoon, United emerged 2-0 victors as Scholes played one of the best seasons of his career. He assisted Teddy Sheringham for the first doubled the lead with a fine 20-yard strike.Scholes ended the season with a career high 51 appearances in all competitions.
2004, INTERNATIONAL RETIREMENT:
Scholes made his full England debut against Italy in 1997 in a 2-0 defeat. Scholes was reputation as one of the best players in the country was cemented in the Euro 2000 qualifying rounds.
He scored an international hat-trick in a match against Poland and scored a brace against Scotland to secure Englands’ place in the Euro 2000 finals.
He became the first English player to be sent-off at Wembley.
He was usually forced to play on the left in the national team set-up to accommodate Gerrard and Lampard in the middle. Scholes finally decided to call time on his international career and focus playing for United.
On his retirement, United legend George Best said: “To be honest I think England have He made 66 appearances for England from 1997 to 2004 netting 14 goals in theprocess.
On his retirement, United legend George Best said: “To be honest I think England have lost their best player.”
2008, UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Semi-Final:
The 2007-08 season was turning out be a fruitful season for United. They were in contention for the ‘treble’ which they eventually did win after a memorable penalty shoot-out against Chelsea.
Spanish giants Barcelona stood in middle of United and a place in the finals of CL at Moscow. The first leg ended level as Cristiano Ronaldo hit the cross-bar from the spot. With the second leg at home, United faithfuls were hoping for a finals berth.
And Paul Scholes did not disappoint.
He hit a trademark 25-yard half-volley into the top corner, 14th minutes into the game which finally settled the fixture.
Scholes is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of his time. His technique, passing ability, vision was world-class and was only matched by few greats like Zidane. His trademark run from the middle of the park to the final third to score that important goal can never be forgotten. The image of that stinging volley into the net from the edge of the box can never give a fan more joy. For a player blessed with magnificent skills on the ball, one downfall to his game was his tackling. But that one downfall was well curtailed by his talent and his love for the game.
Few quotes about the ‘Ginger Prince’ by football’s most famous faces:
“He’s always so in control and pinpoint accurate with his passing – a beautiful player to watch.“- Sir Bobby Charlton
“My toughest opponent? Scholes of Manchester. He is the complete midfielder.“- Zinedine Zidane
“I’m star-struck when I see Paul Scholes because you never see him. On the pitch you can’t catch him. Off the pitch he disappears.“- Luis Figo
“At La Masia his name was mentioned a lot. He’s a teacher.“- Lionel Messi
“I think Paul Scholes is the best player in England. He’s got the best skills, the best brain. No one can match him. There isn’t a player of his mould anywhere in the world. Paul is irreplaceable.“- Sir Alex Ferguson
“When we were in training, I used to do a lot of tricks which hardly any players at the club could do. Once I was showing my skills to Scholes. After I finished, Scholes took the ball and pointed to a tree which was about 50m from where we were standing. He said, I’m going to hit it in one shot. He kicked and hit the tree. He asked me to do the same; I kicked about 10 times, but still couldn’t hit it, with that accuracy. He smiled and left.“- Cristiano Ronaldo
