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Paul Scholes: playmaker. Getty images

No kidding, Fergie: Scholes will be difficult to replace, says United boss

This time last year he was putting out the cones for the Old Trafford reserves but Scholes is ready for another Premier League tilt.

MANCHESTER UNITED MANAGER Alex Ferguson says replacing Paul Scholes is going to be ‘very, very difficult’ for the club.

Scholes returned to the Red Devils’ in January after initially retiring at the end of the 2010-11 season, and showed he had lost none of his talent, producing some excellent performances as United pushed rivals Manchester City all the way in the title race. And Ferguson has hailed the impact Scholes has had on the team, but insists that it will be a tall order to replace such a gifted midfielder.

“A year ago, he was coaching my reserves team,” Ferguson told the club’s official website.  ”Now he’s back playing and everybody attached to United is absolutely delighted because he’s such a fantastic player.

“In the long term, trying to replace Paul is a different issue all together. It’s going to be very, very difficult. To replace a great player like that would be hard for anyone.”

Centre-back Rio Ferdinand believes that to come back after so long and perform at the standard the veteran midfielder did is a testament to his character, and a great example of all the young players to aspire to. Ferdinand said: “‘Sat Nav’ Scholes has it all — it’s a great opportunity for the young players to learn from someone who has honed his craft for years and can still do it at the top level.

“To think he had a period out and can still come back and play is phenomenal. He’s a shining light for all the players to look up to. Long may he continue playing!”

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