Paul Scholes: A club legend like no other

Scholes is known for his accurate passing, pinpoint crosses, ability to pick up a teammate in the far end of the field and rarely relinquish possession. He is also known for his disciplinary records amassing a huge booking throughout his career. He is often described as a bad tackler by his peers.

Scholes was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2008 after missing out in 2007, where he was also nominated.After the 2011 Champions League final against Barcelona, Scholes announced his first retirement from club football. It was in a typical Scholesy attitude – no fuss, no interview, just a statement confirming his decision to stop playing and start coaching.

On 5 August 2011, United held a testimonial match to honour his 17 years of service to the club. The match was played at Old Trafford against New York Cosmos. United won the match 6–0, with Scholes opening the scoring with a typical Scholesy screamer from 25 yards out.

However, the following season, seeing United’s midfield dilemma, he decided to come out of retirement. He made his appearance on 8 January, 2012 in a FA Cup match against City. He scored his first goal upon his return from a Wayne Rooney pass at Old Trafford against Bolton.

Scholes signed a one year extension which saw him at the club till the summer of 2013. He also marked his 700th appearance for the club by appearing and scoring against Wigan on 15th September, 2012.

On May, 2013 Scholes announced his second and final retirement from football at the end of the season which also saw United winning a record 20 Top Flight titles, becoming the most successful club in English Football.

In a career evolving around 19 years, Paul Scholes has won trophies galore with Manchester United:

11 Premier League titles, 3 FA Cups, 2 League Cups, 2 Champions League, 1 Intercontinental Cup and 1 FIFA Club World Cup.

Paul Scholes is a perfect example of a footballer. I must confess that I was lucky enough to see the legend play his part and walk away into the sunset. The Old Trafford crowd and the dressing room will miss him for sure.

As Sir Alex puts it – “I think Paul Scholes is the best player in England. He’s got the best skills, the best brain. No one can match him.”There isn’t a player of his mould anywhere in the world. Paul is irreplaceable.”

As Paul Scholes Puts it – “At every opportunity, I wanted to play football”

Out of Fergie’s feldgings, Beckham maybe flamboyant, Giggs maybe everlasting, Gary Neville maybe inspirational but Paul Scholes, well Scholes is just mesmerizing.