Paul Scholes was one of the greatest midfielders to play for Manchester United.
In a career that spanned over 19 years as a professional footballer, Paul Scholes was a one-club man.
Scholes joined the Manchester United academy in 1991 before making his debut under Sir Alex Ferguson three years later.
The 50-year-old made a total of 716 appearances for United, but he will also go down as one of the most decorated players in English football history.
As well as many individual awards, Scholes won 11 Premier League titles, three FA Cups, two Carabao Cups, two Champions League titles and the FIFA Club World Cup.
It wasn’t until May 2013 that Scholes announced his retirement for a second time. He initially ended his career at the end of the 2010/11 season, but returned to the side in January 2012 after admitting he missed playing.
Paul Scholes celebration against Bolton
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Paul Scholes rolled back the years with 700th appearance
Scholes never liked the spotlight as a player, so when he scored a goal on his 700th appearance for United, he would have thought it was another day at the office.
Instead, it led to a standing ovation from the Old Trafford faithful.
More United News
It should have been expected as Scholes found the net on his debut and his 100th game, as well as his 300th, 400th and 500th appearances. The former England international also scored an own goal in his 200th appearance for the club.
For Scholes’ 700th game, Scholes tapped in from close range to open the scoring against Wigan Athletic. United went on to win the match 4-0 as Javier Hernandez, Alexander Buttner and Nick Powell got on the scoresheet.
United went on to win the Premier League title that season. It was Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season in charge of the team as he announced his retirement.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s ultimate Scholes prediction
Scholes wasn’t only loyal to United but also to Ferguson, who was his only manager at club level throughout his career.
After playing a key role in convincing Scholes to come out of retirement, Ferguson hailed the veteran midfielder after his goalscoring display against Wigan.
Ferguson claimed that Scholes could play for another 10 years and show his class, albeit in friendly matches for ex-players.
“He was fantastic,” Sir Alex Ferguson said, as quoted by BBC Sport.
“We always remember Paul as a young player, being able to ghost into the penalty box. He doesn’t need to do that anymore because we want him to play in central midfield.
“But that is him scoring in nearly every one of his 100s. It’s fantastic.”
United fans would argue that Scholes would still improve the current midfield at the club.