Paul Scholes comes out of retirement

Manchester United have confirmed that former-hero Paul Scholes has decided to come out of retirement and has signed a deal that will expire at the end of the season.

Scholes retired at the end of last season and joined United’s coaching staff.

Surprise

Scholes return to the United playing staff is certainly a surprise. The midfielder thought that his time was up last season and that he could no longer contribute in the biggest games.

However now he has decided to reverse his decision and play on until the end of the season.

Struggling

Manchester United are currently struggling for midfield options. Their midfield has been criticised for a lack of flair and creativity. United are still second in the Premier League table but it’s widely acknowledged that United are missing something in midfield.

Desperate

Paul Scholes is without doubt one of the best players to ever wear the red of Manchester United. However last season he played less games and his influence on the team had waned slightly. It seemed like a natural time to retire.

Some have said it smacks of desperation having to bring Paul Scholes out of retirement to help the squad out. And you can see their point. Instead of bringing in a player that could provide the flair for years to come, Sir Alex Ferguson has brought in a short-term solution.

It’s not often that the Scot gets the big decisions wrong and this could be yet another big decision that the veteran boss has got spot on.

Worthwhile

Bringing Paul Scholes out of retirement is well worthwhile for Manchester United. Scholes has stated that he missed playing and was itching to take part again. I don’t think anybody can lose in this deal. United get an experience player who knows the club and Scholes gets to play again.

Fitness

The former-England international has been coaching the Manchester United reserve team and has apparently been taking part in training. According to United boss Sir Alex Ferguson the little midfielder is in good shape.

He may be in good physical shape for training and knockabouts but he won’t be match fit for a while. Scholes definitely won’t be up to Premier League standards fitness-wise and he definitely won’t be as fit as he would have been  had he taken part in pre-season training.

Psychological

I think the return to the squad of Paul Scholes will give everybody at the club a huge lift. Scholes is a Manchester United hero and his return will greeted with delight by most Manchester United fans. Fergie certainly believes it will give everybody at the club a lift and just in time for their trip to Manchester City.

Natural

Even at 37 years of age Paul Scholes still has a good football brain. United fans can’t expect Paul Scholes to still be the player he was 10 years ago. United fans are not stupid and I’m sure they know that Scholes is only going to be a bit-part player for the rest of the season.

Scholes return to the Manchester United squad may have been a surprise but it’s probably the bit of good news that United fans needed  just before their big FA Cup clash with arch-rivals Manchester City.

Was Paul Scholes right to come out of retirement?