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Paul Scholes’ return offers Manchester United squad much-needed respite – Antonio Valencia
The Ecuadorian attacker says that with the likes of Darren Fletcher and Tom Cleverley missing, the signing of the ex-Red Devil provides some top quality cover
16 Jan 2012 18:33:00
By Joe Doyle
Getty Images
Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia believes the decision to bring Paul Scholes out of retirement will offer the squad some respite from the injury woes that have threatened to throw their season off course.
With Tom Cleverley still sidelined and Darren Fletcher taking an extended break due to health concerns, United were left short in the centre until the shock signing of Scholes before their FA Cup tie with rivals Manchester City.
And after manager Sir Alex Ferguson declined calls to sign a top-name playmaker in the summer transfer window, Valencia believes Scholes offers a good stop-gap as United go in search of a 20th Premier League title.
"We still have some longer absences like Darren Fletcher and Tom Cleverley," Valencia told MUTV. "So it has given us a bit of respite to have Paul Scholes back.
"It's all right talking about three teams [going for the title] but you can't take out Arsenal or Chelsea so that is why we have to put our foot to the floor and push as hard as we can."
Valencia himself has been forced into a covering role this season, filling in at right-back in a number of matches and particularly impressing in the 5-0 victory away to Fulham.
Whilst the ex-Wigan man was prepared to play where needed, Valencia has admitted he is looking forward to a full squad being available.
"It is really pleasing thinking that we are getting everyone back to full fitness. It is nice to be back in my favoured position that I have always played in throughout my career.
"At full-back, going forward is not a problem. Defending is slightly more difficult.
"There is more pressure because you are playing closer to your own goal. You have to be really focussed and concentrated to make sure you don't commit an error that can lead to a goal.
"It is the same for any defender so I have to work hard to stay really sharp because that is the area of the field where you get punished."
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With Tom Cleverley still sidelined and Darren Fletcher taking an extended break due to health concerns, United were left short in the centre until the shock signing of Scholes before their FA Cup tie with rivals Manchester City.
And after manager Sir Alex Ferguson declined calls to sign a top-name playmaker in the summer transfer window, Valencia believes Scholes offers a good stop-gap as United go in search of a 20th Premier League title.
"We still have some longer absences like Darren Fletcher and Tom Cleverley," Valencia told MUTV. "So it has given us a bit of respite to have Paul Scholes back.
"It's all right talking about three teams [going for the title] but you can't take out Arsenal or Chelsea so that is why we have to put our foot to the floor and push as hard as we can."
Valencia himself has been forced into a covering role this season, filling in at right-back in a number of matches and particularly impressing in the 5-0 victory away to Fulham.
Whilst the ex-Wigan man was prepared to play where needed, Valencia has admitted he is looking forward to a full squad being available.
"It is really pleasing thinking that we are getting everyone back to full fitness. It is nice to be back in my favoured position that I have always played in throughout my career.
"At full-back, going forward is not a problem. Defending is slightly more difficult.
"There is more pressure because you are playing closer to your own goal. You have to be really focussed and concentrated to make sure you don't commit an error that can lead to a goal.
"It is the same for any defender so I have to work hard to stay really sharp because that is the area of the field where you get punished."
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| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
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| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
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| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
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