Scholes to miss Chelsea clash

Paul Scholes will sit out Manchester United’s clash with Chelsea on Sunday after he was ruled out for the rest of the year with a groin problem.

The 36-year-old has not played for United since coming off in their 1-0 Champions League loss to Rangers on November 24, and his absence will be a blow to Ferguson as he aims to arrest a poor run of form at Stamford Bridge where they have not won in eight years.

“It’s a big one for us,” Ferguson said. “Our record down there has been poor over the last eight years.”

“We’ve managed a few draws, but we’ve lost a few too. Our record up until then was fantastic – Stamford Bridge was the place we probably had our best record.”

“They’re a tough team to beat on their own ground, their home record tells you that.”

“But I’m going into the game with a strong, confident squad. You want to go there in good form and we are in good form.”

Irish defender John O’Shea will definitely miss the clash with a calf strain, but other than long-term casualties Owen Hargreaves and Antonio Valencia, Ferguson should have a full squad at his disposal for the trip.