Scholes delight as midfielder makes winning return for United in enthralling FA Cup clash

By Sportsmail Reporter
Updated: 10:36 EDT, 8 January 2012

Paul Scholes made a whirlwind return to the Manchester United side after re-signing until the end of the season.

The former England midfielder pulled on his boots an hour into United's 3-2 win over bitter rivals Manchester City.

Scholes retired from football at the end of last season and had taken up a coaching role with the reserve side at Old Trafford.

Look who's back: Paul Scholes (right) has re-signed for Manchester United

Scholes said: 'I’ve been pretty clear since I stopped playing that I miss it.

'I’m delighted the manager feels I can still make a contribution to the team and I’m looking forward to playing my part in trying to bring more success to this great club.'

Wayne Rooney claimed the United players did not know about the situation until they got into the dressing room before the game.

'It was a bit of a shock to be honest, we didn't know until we were in the dressing room, but he's a great player,' he said.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson told ITV: 'He came to see me and said he wanted to come back, he was missing it too much.

'There were no negatives as far as I'm concerned.

'The players were fantastic about it, the fans I'm sure will be happy and I'm happy.'

Last sighting: Scholes' 'final' appearance for United came against Barcelona 

Scholes replaced Nani on the hour mark with United 3-1 in front thanks to goals from Wayne Rooney (twice) and Danny Welbeck.

But his return almost turned sour as the veteran gave the ball away and Sergio Aguero pulled another goal back only for United to hold on.

Ferguson insisted it was the correct decision to select him against City.

'No doubt about that. That's why he's on the bench.

'Everyone knows he's one of the greatest players in Manchester United's history.

'He's a fantastic footballer and there's no loss to his real fitness which is important.

'He's sometimes missed three or four months with injuries, so it's more more or less the same kind of scenario.

'It’s fantastic that Paul has made this decision. It’s always sad to see great players end their careers, but especially so when they do it early.

'But he has kept himself in great shape and I always felt that he had another season in him. It’s terrific to have him back.'

Familiar face: Scholes made his return with half an hour remaining against City 

Scholes retired three days after United lost to Barcelona in the Champions League final in Wembley last May.

He made 676 appearances for his hometown club, scoring 150 goals and admitted that retiring was not a decision he took lightly.

Scholes' testimonial match was held in August as the New York Cosmos visited Old Trafford. Fittingly, the midfielder opened the scoring as the home side romped to a 6-0 win.

Winning return: Scholes was in the thick of the action as United beat City 3-2

As Ashley Young now wears Scholes' old No 18 shirt, the 37-year-old has been handed the No 22 jersey.

Despite retiring, Scholes kept himself in shape and turned out for Stalybridge Celtic in a charity match in August.

His son plays for Celtic's junior side and Scholes senior showed his class by scoring a hat-trick.

Good to be back: Scholes warms up ahead of United's win over rivals City