Scholes delighted with Kagawa, van Persie, Powell and Buttner

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 08: Paul Scholes of Manchester United scores his team’s second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Queens Park Rangers at Old Trafford on April 8, 2012 in Manchester, England.

Paul Scholes has admitted he’s delighted with the business done by us in the transfer window and says it’ll be a big boost to the team. “You always like to see new players come in even if they’re in your position because it’s healthy for the team and exciting to play with the new players,” he said in an interview with ManUtd.com. Scholes is entering his second season after his ‘retirement’ and, even though he’s gone and come back again, we’re yet to find a replacement for him – something we may never do.

“We’ve got strength everywhere in the squad. We’ve struggled with injuries to defenders, but when we have everyone fit I think there are two teams that the manager has available to him and that could compete in the Premier League and cup competitions. We know when we get given our chance we have to take it. If you don’t, you’ll be out of the team, simple as that.” David De Gea was the first player to suffer from the motto Scholes speaks about, sitting on the bench against Southampton following his mistake against Fulham.

“All the new signings have settled in well. Shinji has been with us since the start of pre-season so he’s had a good amount of time to settle in. He’s a top class player who did great in Germany and we’re lucky to have him,” said Scholes. “Nick Powell has done really well. He hasn’t had much first team action yet but he’s only a young lad and there’s plenty of time for him. Robin is a top signing and we all hope to form a good understanding with him as the season goes on, and Alex [Buttner] played his first game for the Under 21s last week and did really well.”

The 38 year-old added further praise for Shinji Kagawa, saying “Shinji is just a clever footballer who gets into those great positions where it’s difficult for other teams to pick him up. He’s always on the move which makes it easier for the midfielders to find him. He really fits in with the way we play. It’s important that he links up well with the midfielders and centre forwards and he’s already shown he’s clever enough to do that. He’s very intelligent and someone we all enjoy playing with.”

There’s no doubting that Scholes is excited by the new arrivals at the club, and even for fans the success in the transfer window was a pleasant surprise after the disappointing moments in years gone by. United still lack a central midfielder, but on the whole our business this summer was good. As an obvious expert himself, Scholes sees Kagawa as an excellent addition and his comments suggest that, with Kagawa playing the ‘the hole,’ there’s less importance on the midfielders for creative purposes and more focus on their passing and defensive ability.