Paul Scholes

Born: 16 Nov 1974
Signed: 08 Jul 1991
Debut: 21 Sep 1994 v Port Vale (A) League Cup
Goals Total: 138
Appearances Total: 539
Position: Midfielder
Left United:

You’ve got to have something pretty special if you can make the great Bobby Charlton purr with satisfaction.


And since he appeared on the scene as a teenager in the mid-1990s, part of the new wave of Old Trafford talent that ushered in David Beckham and the Neville brothers, Scholesy has been crucial to the Reds’ successes. He scored twice on his debut in the League Cup at Port Vale in 1994/95 – and on his first League outing against Ipswich – and didn’t look back.

A host of golden seasons at Old Trafford include 1995/96’s Double-winning campaign, finishing second behind Eric

Cantona in the scoring charts with 14; he was a cornerstone of 1999’s Treble-winners, although suspension ruled him out of the Champions League final, and in United’s Premiership success in 2003, his 20-goal haul was vital.

Neat and compact, with an ever-industrious workrate, a misplaced Scholes pass remains one of the rarest sights in the modern game. His superb eye for goal and late runs from midfield also served his country superbly on 66 occasions.

Persistent eye trouble kept the man the fans dubbed the ‘Ginger Prince’ out of action for a large part of 2005/06, but he burst back onto the scene during the 2006/07 title-winning campaign, playing a key role in helping the Reds reclaim the Premiership crown. Personal highlights included his opener in the 2-0 win over Liverpool in October 2006 and a volley of the highest calibre in the 3-0 win at Aston Villa two months later, which earned him the Goal of the Season Award at the club's Player Awards ceremony.

His contribution was recognised by players and press alike - he finished third in the PFA Player of the Year category and fourth in the Football Writers' vote - both of which were won by team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.

Now in the top seven highest ever appearance makers and the top twelve highest goalscorers at the club, Scholes is, indisputably, one of the finest talents in United's history.