Scholes brings up his century

Manchester United has always had a star or two in the starting XI. In the Premier League era they have been people such as Eric Cantona, Andy Cole, Ryan Giggs, Dwight Yorke, David Beckham, Wayne Rooney and Ronaldo. All of them have attracted the headlines in the front and rear of the nation’s tabloids newspapers. Yet perhaps none of these players, Giggs excepted, have been as consistent and loyal as Paul Scholes.

The unfussy central midfielder is a model professional. He is a shining example of how people who lead their professional lives in the public eye can keep their private lives private. He has shunned the spot light and always let his football do the talking. Now aged 35, the impish, ginger-haired midfield maestro appears only marginally more comfortable before a television camera than he did at the outset of his career.

He has always been able to hide behind the celebrity of those around him. Some of his more illustrious team mates down the years have naturally been enthusiastic about leading their entire lives in the public domain. It’s hard to imagine the shy Scholes donning a sarong or indulging himself in a fling with Jordan. Whilst the Beckham’s and Yorke’s have had their private lives splashed across the media, Scholes has just concentrated on his football.

The only time he has really caused any consternation was when he decided to retire from International football. He could surely be of use to Fabio Capello right now, but he decided to take a decision that was in his best interest – and Alex Ferguson’s.

Scholes has proven to be one of Ferguson’s most reliable lieutenants down the years. He has always performed his duties with minimal fuss and has seen off more glamorous signings such as Juan Sebastian Veron who have come in to compete with him for a spot in the middle of the field. He has always given his all for United and Ferguson must wish that he had 11 players of the same ilk, 11 players who go out and perform each week and then keep themselves to themselves until the next game.

It is lamentable that there aren’t more players like Scholes around. Whilst he doesn’t posses the skills of a Ronaldo, the panache of a Rooney or the glamour of a Beckham, what he does posses is heart. You know what you’re going to get from Paul Scholes. He is arguably the most consistent performer that the Premiership has had since its inception. His 100th goal in the top flight came at Molineux on Saturday at a time when his team needed it most.

It was apt that such a milestone strike for him was an unfussy goal struck from all of 10 yards. Whilst his most memorable strikes have been the screamers against Middlesbrough and Bradford City, the majority have been clinical strikes, Scholes arriving late into the penalty area to drive his team forward. Saturday’s strike highlighted his experience and class as he coolly stroked the ball into the net for his milestone goal and, perhaps more importantly to him, to put his team back at the top of the league.

At 35, Scholes must surely have one eye on retirement. It has been to England’s detriment that he called time on his International career and it will be to Manchester United’s detriment when he calls time on football altogether. He has never been one to revel in personal glories, but becoming the 18th player in the history of the Premier League to bag 100 goals will surely prove one of the prouder moments from his career at an individual level. The plethora of trophies won by the team will mean a whole lot more, however, and with Scholes carrying on for now, United will fancy their chances of adding to the League Cup this season.

Miles Reucroft