Manchester United legend Paul Scholes had some sensational moments representing the Red Devils.
The academy graduate was widely seen among the world’s very best midfielders for years under the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, winning 13 Premier Leagues and two Champions Leagues.
The talent Paul Scholes possessed saw him last 20 years, making the third most appearances in club history with 716 appearances for United with 155 goals and 82 assists.
Sir Bobby Charlton chose Scholes as his favourite player of the modern era, which is a testament to his talent and ability – standing out amidst a world-class group of players at Manchester United.
For many United supporters, the very best moment of Scholes at United came during the 2007/08 season, but he has since admitted he didn’t even mean the excellence he showed.
Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
What Paul Scholes thinks about his goal against Barcelona in 2008
One of the best goals for many to ever be scored at Old Trafford came from Scholes during the 2008 Champions League semi-final.
Scholes scored from range against Barcelona in the second leg of the tie, to send Sir Alex’s side into the final, with the goal ranked as his second-best for the club.
Speaking with Gary Neville on The Overlap back in 2022, Scholes was quizzed over his strike.
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“It was a miskick but I wouldn’t say it was my shin,” he said.
“It was the outside of my foot and the best miskick I’ve ever done anyway.”
“If you’re trying to hit it that way with a bit of fade, it should go outside the post and then in the corner really.
“I was thinking of just hitting the target, to be honest with you. When it goes towards the keeper and that way [swerving to the right], you don’t mean that, no chance.”
Neville then asked Scholes if he could at least concede that it was his most important goal, to which the club legend agreed.
“It was most important, yeah.”
Paul Scholes was so important for Manchester United
Despite this goal against Barcelona being recognised among his very best moments for the club, the career of Scholes is not defined by it.
Sir Alex labelled Scholes as being one of the “cleverest” players to ever don the famous red of Manchester United.
“And there’s an argument for Paul Scholes, the cleverest midfield player we’ve ever had,” Sir Alex said.
“To work with such people has been an absolute pleasure. It’s fulfilled every aspiration.”
Scholes has been named United’s best-ever player by Edwin van der Sar, an argument few would be in disagreement with.
Scholes made 716 appearances for United in total with 155 goals, which from midfield is an excellent record, epitomising his importance.