Scholes ends retirement to face Manchester rivals
Manchester United dramatically included Paul Scholes among their substitutes for today’s FA Cup third-round tie against holders and rivals Manchester City.
The 37-year-old former England midfielder, who retired last year, has agreed to rejoin the United playing staff to help them through injury difficulties.
Wayne Rooney, the subject of speculation about his future this week, led the United attack at the Etihad Stadium while defender Chris Smalling returned from illness and Anders Lindegaard retained his place in goal.
City were without African Nations Cup players Yaya and Kolo Toure, the suspended Gareth Barry and the injured Mario Balotelli while Costel Pantilimon replaced rested goalkeeper Joe Hart.
With injuries biting deep into his squad, Alex Ferguson made the dramatic move to ask his veteran midfielder to come out of retirement.
“It’s fantastic that Paul has made this decision,” said Ferguson.
“It’s always sad to see great players end their careers, but especially so when they do it early.
“But he has kept himself in great shape and I always felt that he had another season in him.
“It’s terrific to have him back.”
Scholes brought his United career to an end after last season's Champions League final.
However, he quickly revealed he felt the decision may have been premature.
He has continued to be a regular face at United’s Carrington training complex in his role as a coach with the club’s reserve team.
However, he will now be asked to aid United’s quest for honours for the remainder of the season.
“I’ve been pretty clear since I stopped playing that I miss it,” said the 37-year-old.
“I’m delighted the manager feels I can still make a contribution to the team and I’m looking forward to playing my part in trying to bring more success to this great club.”
Scholes brought his United career to an end after last season's Champions League final.
However, he quickly revealed he felt the decision may have been premature.
He has continued to be a regular face at United’s Carrington training complex in his role as a coach with the club’s reserve team.
However, he will now be asked to aid United’s quest for honours for the remainder of the season.
“I’ve been pretty clear since I stopped playing that I miss it,” said the 37-year-old.
“I’m delighted the manager feels I can still make a contribution to the team and I’m looking forward to playing my part in trying to bring more success to this great club.”
Man City: Pantilimon, Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Kolarov, Milner, De Jong, Johnson, Silva, Nasri, Aguero.
Subs: Hart, Zabaleta, Savic, Hargreaves, Clichy, Suarez, Razak.
Man Utd: Lindegaard, Smalling, Jones, Ferdinand, Evra, Valencia, Carrick, Giggs, Nani, Rooney, Welbeck.
Subs: De Gea, Evans, Anderson, Park, Hernandez, Rafael Da Silva, Scholes.
Referee: Chris Foy (Merseyside)
