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'World-class Paul Scholes can lead Manchester United to Premier League title' - legendary Old Trafford coach Eric Harrison
Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson's decision to bring midfielder out of retirement has been likened to signing of Henrik Larsson as a mid-season 'masterstroke' by the Scot
13 Jan 2012 07:56:00
Red PR
EXCLUSIVE
By Rob Stewart
Paul Scholes has been tipped to inspire Manchester United to the club's 13th Premier League title by his Old Trafford mentor following a comeback that has been hailed a Sir Alex Ferguson ‘masterstroke’.
Scholes has come out of retirement to solve the Premier League champions’ midfield crisis and has been backed to help United win their 20th domestic title by former youth team coach, Eric Harrison.
As the former England midfielder prepared to make an emotional return to the Theatre of Dreams when United face Bolton on Saturday, Harrison – who helped nurture the so-called ‘Fergie’s Fledglings’ – likened his potential influence to that of veteran striker Henrik Larsson.
The Swede helped Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson win the Premier League title in 2007 after joining midway through the season, and Scholes will be hoping to emulate the former Celtic forward’s influence.
“There is no doubt at all that Scholesy can prove to be the difference between success and failure come the end of the season,” Harrison told Goal.com.
“Great players like Paul can make all the difference, so this could be a masterstroke from Sir Alex
“Manchester United are already a very, very good team and he can make them a better team. He can make all the difference because this guy is a world-class player.
“You just have to look at the history books to see what a difference a player of such calibre can make when he has been brought in by the manager.
“I suppose that Henrik Larsson is the best example and they won the league after he joined. His impact was huge. There is no reason Paul can’t have the same impact."
The 37-year-old, who won 10 Premier League winner’s medals, put his experience to good use to help United overcome Premier League leaders Manchester City in the FA Cup last weekend.
“I was surprised because I saw him at the back end of last week and we had a good chat but he didn’t say anything about it but that is Scholesy for you,” Harrison added.
“He had been helping out Warren Joyce with the reserves and joining in as well so he is reasonably fit. He might not be as fit as Premier League standards but that will come.
“What he can contribute to the team is unbelievable because he is a world-class player. The manager said that he would only sign world-class players if they became available and that is what he got with Scholesy because there is no doubt that he is world-class, so I suppose that I should have seen his comeback coming.”
Harrison is also relishing the prospect of seeing Scholes in action alongside Tom Cleverley when his team-mate returns to action from injury.
“I can’t wait to see Tom playing alongside Paul in the first team because he is another player who very rarely gives the ball away and it will really speed up his education having Scholesy around,” Harrison said.
"If you looked at the stats from the City game Scholesy’s pass completion rate was 97 per cent, which is incredible and that was against the Premier League leaders.
“It speaks volumes that he could go into the middle of what was probably the biggest game of the season and just control things.
“That didn’t surprise me and it wouldn’t have surprised his team-mates, the manager or the fans who will be absolutely delighted that he is back in the thick of things.
“Tom’s pass completion rate is magnificent so if you get the two of them in midfield then Manchester United will take some beating."
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By Rob Stewart
Paul Scholes has been tipped to inspire Manchester United to the club's 13th Premier League title by his Old Trafford mentor following a comeback that has been hailed a Sir Alex Ferguson ‘masterstroke’.
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Scholes has come out of retirement to solve the Premier League champions’ midfield crisis and has been backed to help United win their 20th domestic title by former youth team coach, Eric Harrison.
As the former England midfielder prepared to make an emotional return to the Theatre of Dreams when United face Bolton on Saturday, Harrison – who helped nurture the so-called ‘Fergie’s Fledglings’ – likened his potential influence to that of veteran striker Henrik Larsson.
The Swede helped Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson win the Premier League title in 2007 after joining midway through the season, and Scholes will be hoping to emulate the former Celtic forward’s influence.
“There is no doubt at all that Scholesy can prove to be the difference between success and failure come the end of the season,” Harrison told Goal.com.
“Great players like Paul can make all the difference, so this could be a masterstroke from Sir Alex
“Manchester United are already a very, very good team and he can make them a better team. He can make all the difference because this guy is a world-class player.
“You just have to look at the history books to see what a difference a player of such calibre can make when he has been brought in by the manager.
“I suppose that Henrik Larsson is the best example and they won the league after he joined. His impact was huge. There is no reason Paul can’t have the same impact."
Comeback kid | Golden oldie Scholes set for emotional return to Theatre of Dreams
The 37-year-old, who won 10 Premier League winner’s medals, put his experience to good use to help United overcome Premier League leaders Manchester City in the FA Cup last weekend.
“I was surprised because I saw him at the back end of last week and we had a good chat but he didn’t say anything about it but that is Scholesy for you,” Harrison added.
“He had been helping out Warren Joyce with the reserves and joining in as well so he is reasonably fit. He might not be as fit as Premier League standards but that will come.
“What he can contribute to the team is unbelievable because he is a world-class player. The manager said that he would only sign world-class players if they became available and that is what he got with Scholesy because there is no doubt that he is world-class, so I suppose that I should have seen his comeback coming.”
Harrison is also relishing the prospect of seeing Scholes in action alongside Tom Cleverley when his team-mate returns to action from injury.
“I can’t wait to see Tom playing alongside Paul in the first team because he is another player who very rarely gives the ball away and it will really speed up his education having Scholesy around,” Harrison said.
"If you looked at the stats from the City game Scholesy’s pass completion rate was 97 per cent, which is incredible and that was against the Premier League leaders.
“It speaks volumes that he could go into the middle of what was probably the biggest game of the season and just control things.
“That didn’t surprise me and it wouldn’t have surprised his team-mates, the manager or the fans who will be absolutely delighted that he is back in the thick of things.
“Tom’s pass completion rate is magnificent so if you get the two of them in midfield then Manchester United will take some beating."
Follow Rob Stewart on
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
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