It was a sad day for Manchester United followers and football fans in general when Paul Scholes announced his first retirement from the game in May 2011.
At the time the midfield maestro had won an incredible 10 Premier League titles, three FA Cups, two Champions Leagues and two League Cups – along with a host of other trophies – went he decided to temporary call it career. For most people, that would be more than enough to be happy with their innings.
Not for Scholes though and an injury crisis at the club in late 2011 convinced the United legend to put on his boots again.
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Speaking on BT Sport during his punditry of Huddersfield v Man United in the FA Cup yesterday, Scholes went through the process of his return six years ago and detailed his “nerves” at knocking on Sir Alex Ferguson’s office door to ask for his permission to come back.
Scholes made his return in an FA Cup meeting with Man City and ended the season coming within a whisker of the title, only for Sergio Aguero to memorably snatch it away at the last second. However, he went on to win an 11th and final Premier League title before calling it a day in 2013.
The story gives a fascinating insight into Scholes’ mindset at the time and you can watch it below:
Grab some cracking football odds over at PaddyPower.comHow did Paul Scholes’ Man Utd comeback happen?
• Jones and Fabio were playing CM ?
• Fergie kept it a secret ?
• Had to buy new boots from JJB ?Scholesey like you’ve never heard him before… ?#FACupTonight pic.twitter.com/lxLDNKZBXz
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 17, 2018