Paul Scholes: The Anatomy Of A Manchester United Legend

ANALYSIS
By Matt Monaghan

Manchester United great Paul Scholes had intended to have retired by now. After pulling the strings once again in last night's 3-0 thumping of Newcastle United, it is clear to see why Sir Alex Ferguson was desperate to keep him in the sport.

The 'Ginger Maestro' was at his classy best as the visiting battlers couldn't lay a finger on him. This story is nothing new; for 16 years he has a made a mug of the game's finest and laid claim to a place in the annals of United history.

Goal.com analyses the reasons why Scholes remains such a fine footballer at 35:


While England's finest spent the summer being slated for their lack of technical ability, the exception to the rule was sat at home after rejecting a call up.

Scholes' poise, authority and accuracy wouldn't have looked out of home in Spain's World Cup conquering midfield such is his ability. For nearly two decades, the 'Ginger Maestro' has kept United ticking over from the centre of the pitch with his outstanding array of passes.

In the madhouse of central midfield, few strike the ball as cleanly and give it away as infrequently as him. While regularly slated for his tackling, this tenacity has imbued him with the grit to keep pushing himself and his team-mates on for trophy after trophy.

Sir Bobby Charlton: "I have no hesitation in putting a name to the embodiment of all that I think is best about football. It's Paul Scholes," England 1966 World Cup winner and United record goalscorer said to The Guardian.

"Many great players have worn the shirt of Manchester United. Players I worshipped, then lost with my youth in Munich.

"Players like Denis Law and George Best who I enjoyed so much as team-mates and now, finally, players I have watched closely in the [Sir] Alex Ferguson era. And in so many ways Scholes is my favourite.

"I love his nous and conviction that he will find a way to win, to make the killer pass or produce the decisive volley. When a game reaches a vital phase, these qualities seem to come out of his every pore.

"He's always on the ball, always turning on goal. He's always looking to bring other people into the action and if he loses possession you think he must be ill."

"In my opinion, he's been one of the most important players for United under Sir Alex."


The hardest job is knowing when to walk away at the right time, but Scholes' decision to quit international football has been repaid in silverware.

Red all over | England departure has aided Old Trafford longevity

After being marginalised at Euro 2004 under Sven-Goran Eriksson, the then 29-year-old decided to concentrate on all things United. Handed a new lease of life, he has aged like a fine wine rather than wasted away on the treadmill of club and country commitments.

From the Swede, through to Steve McClaren and Fabio Capello, all England managers have tried to bring him back into the fold. All have been turned away.

One figure who has always been able to convince is Sir Alex Ferguson. The United supremo revealed in May he talked Scholes out of retiring at the end of last season.

After a man of the match display last night, it's impossible to argue he hasn't made the right shout once again.

Sir Alex Ferguson: "I did speak to him," the Scot told United's magazine Inside United.

"He'd intimated that he may retire at the end of the season. I said: 'I'll decide when you retire ... look, Paul, you can play, there's no question of that. Your ability's there, there's no deterioration in your actual play.'"


Sir Alex Ferguson has worked with many of the finest footballers in modern football, but his partnership with Scholes took both to a new level.

The Scot installs trust in his own players and demands the same in return. While David Beckham was lost to the world of celebrity, Scholes' sole concentration on the game at hand delighted the manager.

From the late goalscoring surges of his youth to commander in the middle of the park as an elder statesman, Scholes has remained the hub even as his legs have given way. A haul of 23 major trophies during his career pays testament to both men's faith in each other.

Sir Alex Ferguson: "In my time he would sit in the top six or seven [United players] without question," said the Scot to The Guardian.

"His contribution and his quality and some of the fantastic goals he has scored have been great.

"Even on Sunday [against Everton in a FA Cup semi-final loss in April 2009], when he came on his first touch of the ball was better than anybody else had done for the whole previous hour. He has that wonderful velvet touch that means it just goes dead when he gets it.

"Amidst all of the mayhem that can happen in a game it is wonderful to see that."



In a generation of Baby Bentleys and Super Sundays, Scholes has remained an enigma while players of inferior quality have become pop icons.

The press and public know little more about the man than they did when he hit a debut brace in the 2-1 League Cup victory against Port Vale on September 21, 1994. This hatred of the limelight has made interviews as rare as a misplaced pass, as he has hidden in the background while Ryan Giggs, Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo have stolen the front and back pages.

Love of the game | Scholes has eschewed outside opportunities

A simplicity both on and off the pitch has seen him marry his childhood sweetheart and play for the club he supported as a boy - contrary to the myth that he is an Oldham Athletic fan. While contemporary talents like Robbie Fowler burned out all too quickly, Scholes continues to set the example.

Scholes: "My ideal day? Train in the morning, pick up the kids from school, go home, play with kids, have tea, get them up to bed, and then come down to watch a bit of TV," the player told The Independent.

I don't get hassled. I can go anywhere I want to.

"Nobody stops me from going down to Tesco. I'm recognised, of course, and I get asked for my autograph but it is never a problem.

"I've never been conscious of losing out on big money because of the way I've wanted to live my life. I've never turned down big commercials because I'm shy. It's just the way I've been.

"I did get a boot contract once. But no, I haven't earned much outside the game.

"Maybe it's because I'm not good looking enough."

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