IN AN AGE of overused superlatives, it would be easy for the peerless achievements and illustrious careers of the true greats to be undervalued.
Yet, on the day Paul Scholes announced his retirement (albeit for the second time), some of the most distinguished names, past and present, made it their business to recognize the midfielder as one of the finest to play the game.
One tribute that stood out and underlined the repute of Scholes among his peers was from Zinedine Zidane: “My toughest opponent? Scholes of Manchester. He is the complete midfielder.”
Today, Scholes – or ‘SatNav’ as his team mates referred to him as – celebrated his 40th birthday. It’s mind boggling to think he rose to prominence as a fresh-faced teenager in United’s FA Youth Cup-winning side 22 years ago.
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No words (Zidane’s apart, perhaps) would do his consummate mastery with a football at his feet justice. Instead, we’ve delved into the archives to bring you ten of his best moments during a career spanning two decades at Old Trafford…
1. Long-range rocket stuns Barcelona in Champions League semi-final
Scholes had many attributes, although tackling wasn’t one of them, and he was famed for his long-range shooting. He scored many crackers in his time but perhaps none as important as this rocket to topple the mighty Barcelona and send United on their way to Champions League glory…
3. St. James’ Park hat trick was Scholes personified
If there was ever a game that encapsulated everything good about the ‘Ginger Prince’ then this was surely it. Scholes displayed his ability to break from midfield, finish with aplomb and lash them in from range in United’s 6-2 win over Newcastle…
This may make you feel a bit old - Paul Scholes turns 40 today
IN AN AGE of overused superlatives, it would be easy for the peerless achievements and illustrious careers of the true greats to be undervalued.
Yet, on the day Paul Scholes announced his retirement (albeit for the second time), some of the most distinguished names, past and present, made it their business to recognize the midfielder as one of the finest to play the game.
One tribute that stood out and underlined the repute of Scholes among his peers was from Zinedine Zidane: “My toughest opponent? Scholes of Manchester. He is the complete midfielder.”
Today, Scholes – or ‘SatNav’ as his team mates referred to him as – celebrated his 40th birthday. It’s mind boggling to think he rose to prominence as a fresh-faced teenager in United’s FA Youth Cup-winning side 22 years ago.
No words (Zidane’s apart, perhaps) would do his consummate mastery with a football at his feet justice. Instead, we’ve delved into the archives to bring you ten of his best moments during a career spanning two decades at Old Trafford…
1. Long-range rocket stuns Barcelona in Champions League semi-final
Scholes had many attributes, although tackling wasn’t one of them, and he was famed for his long-range shooting. He scored many crackers in his time but perhaps none as important as this rocket to topple the mighty Barcelona and send United on their way to Champions League glory…
2. Finishes team move with incredible chip against Panathinaikos
This passing move deserved a moment of individual brilliance to cap it off and Scholes duly obliged with a deft chip from all of 25 yards…
3. St. James’ Park hat trick was Scholes personified
If there was ever a game that encapsulated everything good about the ‘Ginger Prince’ then this was surely it. Scholes displayed his ability to break from midfield, finish with aplomb and lash them in from range in United’s 6-2 win over Newcastle…
4. Pops up to score injury-time derby winner
Not necessarily one of his best goals but this last-gasp winner at Eastlands will live long in the memory of all Manchester United fans…
5. Passing maestro
Just sit back and watch this. A thing of beauty…
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Ginger Prince Manchester United Paul Scholes