Scholes Suspended

Paul Scholes will sit out Manchester United’s game against West Ham on Wednesday after collecting his fifth booking of the season on Saturday.

Referee Lee Probert showed Scholes a yellow card for a late challenge on Queens Park Rangers midfielder Kieron Dyer early in the second half.

It followed earlier bookings this term in matches against Stoke City, Newcastle United, Liverpool and Everton. Now, in line with the Premier League’s disciplinary process, the 38-year-old must serve an immediate automatic one-game suspension.

Should any other United player pick up five bookings before 31 December, they will face the same fate.

It was the 95th yellow card Scholes has been shown in his Premier League career; only Kevin Davies and Lee Bowyer have collected more.

As well as having to do without Scholes against West Ham on Wednesday night, Sir Alex is also unlikely to be able to field Antonio Valencia. The Ecuadorian winger is currently sidelined with a hip injury.

Bad boys

Domestic bookings

5 - Paul Scholes*
3 - van Persie
2 - Nani
2- Rooney
1 - Anderson
1 - Büttner
1 - Carrick
1 - Cleverley
1 - Ferdinand
1 - Kagawa
1 - Giggs
1 - M Keane
1 - Rafael
1 - Valencia
1 - Welbeck
1 - Wootton
1 - Young

* misses next game