Butt backs Scholes return

Nicky Butt believes former team-mate Paul Scholes will be a ‘revelation’ for Manchester United after his decision to come out of retirement.

English Premier League champions United announced before Sunday’s FA Cup third-round match with Manchester City that Scholes, 37, had returned as a player.

He began the match at Etihad Stadium among the substitutes, with his second-half appearance helping Alex Ferguson’s side to a 3-2 victory.

Butt won six Premier League titles alongside Scholes for United, and believes his former team-mate will prove useful as they attempt to over-take their city rivals at the top of the table.

Scholes made over 650 appearances for United – including 33 in the 2010/11 campaign – before announcing his retirement in May and joining the club’s coaching staff.

“For me it was a no-brainer as far as the club is concerned now that Paul is back in the fold as an extra player and it will give everyone a lift,” Butt told Goal.com.

“He could be either be a revelation and be brilliant and play in every game or be a substitute and just play here and there and just help out, but whatever happens it is a very good move for all parties concerned.”

“For the manager as well it will have been a no-brainer because he knows what sort of character he is and is familiar with his qualities, so he will know what he can bring to the team.”

Butt moved on to Newcastle United in 2004 when his United stint ended, but came through the Old Trafford ranks alongside Scholes, David Beckham, Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs.

The 36-year-old believes he knows enough about the former England international to be certain that age will not be an impediment to his performances.

“When you bring someone from the outside into the club, sometimes it takes a while for them to settle in but with Scholesy he knows the club inside-out and so he’s been able to hit the ground running,” Butt said.

“It was surprising but I knew that he was getting a bit twitchy about playing again as he trained with the reserves as (manager) Warren Joyce’s assistant. He had been keeping himself fit and was a little bit upset that he had retired a bit too early.”

“He decided to speak to the manager and one thing led to another and the outcome was that he has come back for the last few months of the season.”

“It’s amazing what Scholesy can bring to the table. He’s the sort of player that will inspire his team-mates because he is one of the best footballers you’ll ever see anywhere.”

“He will lift everyone. He is a phenomenal player who can do everything in midfield because he’s blessed with a real footballing brain and amazing football skills plus he has a vast amount of experience that will come in handy for the rest of the season.”