The former Manchester United defender, Gary Neville, has said that Paul Scholes is a great player and his commitment to the club over the years is worth a salute. The energy level that he shows even at this age is fantastic. It’s not easy to maintain the fitness once you get past 35. But, Scholes hasn’t let his age affect his game.
Scholes has recently played his 700th game for United. He has been a regular member of the United team since the last 19 years, which has made him public enemy number one according to one Liverpool fanzine. He has played only for United in his entire career. He had joined the club way back in 1993. He had played his first match for United against Port Vale in a match of the League Cup. He had scored two goals in his debut match and caught the eye of everyone.
Scholes got very few first team opportunities in his debut season for United. But, at the start of the 1995-96 season, Mark Hughes left United and Scholes started getting regular playing chances. After that, he never looked back and established himself as an integral part of the team.
Scholes decided to retire from professional football in August 2011.After the retirement, he was appointed to United’s coaching staff. But, in January 2012, when United was struggling with the injuries of many senior players, Scholes decided to withdraw his retirement and he played for United again. He performed pretty well in the second half of the last season and his contract was extended for the next 1 year in May 2012.
Neville said that Scholes is a role model for the young players. The way he has kept himself composed over the years is incredible. You would have hardly heard his name in any controversy. He focuses only on his game and that’s why, he is such a successful footballer. Hopefully, he would win more matches for United in the ongoing season.