versus Barcelona in 2008, but a throwback to the old days when he'd arrive with perfect timing in the opposition box to score with aplomb. A heartening sight indeed, and surely that game, with Scholes actually starting the match, was enough to convince most doubters that his return wasn't going to be akin to a prize fighter returning to the ring searching for past glories and instead finding the game has moved on and left him behind. No, Scholesy still has what it takes. And long may he continue. And long may we enjoy. season is important too, in that it shows it's not quite the panic measure that some harbingers of doom would have us believe. SAF truly believed that Scholes could continue. Only his utter respect for Scholes, and his understanding of him, convinced him that it would be fruitless to badger him to reconsider. He reluctantly accepted that Scholesy knew best. And so in effect all that has happened is that Scholesy has changed his mind. It may indeed be a short term measure, possibly, probably even, resulting in retirement Mark II this summer, but that shouldn't detract from what he can still bring to the table at present and in the not-too-distant future. I wasn't at the City game when he returned, but
35
apparently on hearing of his inclusion on the bench so the concourse containing United fans launched into a spontaneous and continuous rendition of "He scores goals!". Hardly suggestive of massive disappointment at his U-turn. And a couple of hours later, reflecting on the match stats (and ignoring his part in the City second goal) the fact that in a mere thirty minutes or so of action he made more passes than any other player in the entire game (71 at a completion rate of 97%.... Ooh, look at me, 'Statman', way to go!) straight away tells you that he's not exactly lost it. The "He scores goals" chant was more cacophonous at the Bolton game of course when lo and behold the little maestro did indeed score. And what a goal it was. No, not a thirty yard special a lรก
One last thing. Who else read that so hurried was his return to action that Scholes had to go to a local sports shop and purchase a pair of boots? In a period in our history when certain unproven teenagers seem to think it a God given right to be paid the earth and be sponsored to the hilt before they've achieved anything of substance, how refreshing that a true United legend thinks nothing of going out and with minimum fuss just buying himself the essential tools of his trade. A lesson to be learned, and a potential reality check all bundled in there together methinks. Oh that some may pay attention and look to Paul Scholes as the perfect example of what can be achieved with the right attitude.
@Almanuman
ISSUE 12, FEBRUARY 2012