Modest Scholes Plays Down Goal

Paul Scholes rolled back the years with a vintage display against Fulham, but one thing will never change about the long-serving midfielder – his reluctance to step into the limelight.

Scholes ran the show in United's 3-0 win over the Cottagers and opened the scoring with a sumptuous volley direct from a Michael Carrick corner that was reminiscent of his effort against Bradford in 2000.

But when asked by MUTV to compare the strike with some of his previous wonder goals for the Reds, Scholes was typically understated.

"I don’t think it was one of my better ones," he said. "It was a great ball from Michael to find me and I caught it quite well. The keeper will probably be a little disappointed he didn’t save it but I was happy it spun into the net.

"Over the years I have always contributed goals but in the last couple of seasons that hasn’t been the case, as I have been playing slightly deeper. Hopefully that’s the start of a few more to come."

Boss Sir Alex Ferguson added: "It was a fabulous hit. Every day in training, he usually tries to hit me! Some of his switches of play tonight were absolutely magnificent."

Against Fulham it was Scholes who starred; in the last couple of weeks it has been Ryan Giggs. And Ferguson was fulsome in his praise of the veteran duo.

"They’re great examples to young players in how they’ve lived their lives," he said. "They keep their ambition, which is so important, and we’re delighted by their performance. We’re so proud to have them here."