Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has named who he thinks are the four greatest players in Premier League history. The Englishman can consider himself among the best in the competition’s history after a 20-year career with the Red Devils that culminated in 11 league titles - a record bettered by only one other player.
During that time, the ‘Ginger Prince,’ as he was known by those in and around Old Trafford, also witnessed the greatness of other players who helped him become the best he could be. Having also been part of two Champions League-winning sides, it is no surprise that three of his four picks were players who worked under Sir Alex Ferguson.
On 'The Good, The Bad and The Football' podcast, Paddy McGuinness asked Scholes to name his Premier League Mount Rushmore. But the host had to quickly stop the retired midfielder from listing his picks, just as fellow ex-Red Nicky Butt interjected: “Is this a Man United one?” McGuinness added: “I’ve got to say, it’s quite a f***ing red mountain this.” Scholes’ reply was classic: “Well, the red mountain won a lot of Premier League trophies."
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Scholes Picks 4 Greatest Players in Premier League History
Roy Keane
Roy Keane and Paul Scholes
Roy Keane and Paul Scholes
Known as being one of the hardest players in Premier League history, Roy Keane was both Scholes' captain and partner in crime for much of his tenure with United. The Irishman was the firecracker in the engine room, while his teammate was the icy cool counterweight.
Never allowing his teammates to fall below the gold standard that Fergie set, 'Keano' often dragged his side through games, and even seasons. Across 366 league matches, he was as instrumental as they come to a period of dominance in English football never seen before, as he also goes down as one of the best captains ever.
Ryan Giggs
Ryan Giggs in the Champions League
Ryan Giggs in the Champions League
Scholes’ decision to leave out Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard - both of whom he played alongside during his England career - came down to one factor: he was focusing on players who won a lot and played key roles in securing league titles. That meant Ryan Giggs had to be included, given his record 13 Premier League titles.
Giggs’ trophy cabinet is packed with other honors as well, including a Champions League medal, four League Cups, four FA Cups, and nine Community Shields, making him the most decorated British footballer ever. His total of 35 trophies may never be surpassed, with Kenny Dalglish his closest rival with 29.
Wayne Rooney
Sir Alex Ferguson with Wayne Rooney
The third and final United player that Scholes picked from his United teammates is, of course, Wayne Rooney. Across 491 topflight appearances, 'Wazza' scored 208 goals and provided 103 assists across stints at Goodison Park and Old Trafford - incredible numbers that he started putting up on the board at the tender age of just 16.
"Remember the name, Wayne Rooney!" were the wise words of Clive Tyldesley when he scored his first Everton goal in 2003. Now 23 years later, the England icon is still in the beautiful game, trying to make headway as a manager. No matter how well he ends up doing in that venture, it would be arguable whether it could ever match the stardom he achieved as a footballer.
Thierry Henry
Thierry Henry Arsenal
Thierry Henry Arsenal
Thierry Henry scored 24 or more league goals in five successive seasons in the 2000s. His pace, skill and eye for goal lit up the Premier League, and the country has arguably not seen someone of his class since. The Frenchman wasn't just purely about the goal scoring, however, as the winger was beautiful to watch elegantly glide across a football pitch.
An entertainer first, and a goalscorer and assist-maker second, the now-pundit completely changed how the beautiful game was played in its origin country. It was surely a toss-up between him and Alan Shearer for the last place on Scholes' Mt Rushmore, but the former is undoubtedly the more exciting. Watch Scholes' full explanation below: