Manchester United chief Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Paul Scholes as 'one of the best' as his midfield catalyst returns to the United starting line-up against VfB Stuttgart tonight.
It's 11 games since Scholes last started a game for the Red Devils. Since then a couple of substitute appearances either side of his groin operation have been his only first-team action.
Yet such is his importance to United, Fergie has hurried Scholes back into the thick of things, just in time for the busy Christmas schedule and an array of important fixtures, including the derby with bitter rivals Manchester City on Saturday.
The free-scoring midfielder came off the bench at the weekend and enjoyed a 30 minute spell as United trounced Aston Villa - that was enough to convince Sir Alex that Scholes was ready to start against Stuttgart.
"Without doubt Paul is one of the best," said the United boss. "He found it hard on Saturday, as anyone would when they have been out for so long. I expect more of him tonight but it is good to have him back.
"You only have to look at his record to see how important he is to us. He scored 20 goals last season alone, which was outstanding, and has over 100 for the club altogether. That is a remarkable achievement for a midfield player.
"He will always be a goal threat because his timing is so good but there are other parts to his game too. He is two-footed, has quick feet and an excellent football brain. He is such a clever player any team would miss him," added the long-serving manager.
For statistical buffs tonight's encounter represents the irresistible force against the immovable object.
United are unbeaten in 16 European ties at Old Trafford stretching back over two years. However, in Stuttgart, they meet a side who have conceded just three goals in the Bundesliga this term, where they remain unbeaten.
Aside from a recent German Cup reverse, their only defeat of the season came against Rangers at Ibrox and even a goal from Ruud van Nistelrooy could not stop United slipping to a 2-1 defeat in the first meeting between the teams in October.
"Stuttgart have kept a clean sheet in 12 of their 15 league games," said Ferguson. "It is a fantastic achievement and you would think it must be some kind of record.
"We can't afford to go behind. If we do, it will be very difficult to pull back." |
