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Nicky Butt: Paul Scholes can be a revelation & inspire Manchester United to the Premier League title
The ex-Red Devil insists his 37-year-old former team-mate will 'hit the ground running' on his return to Old Trafford after recently coming out of retirement to help the club
Jan 9, 2012 2:15:00 PM
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EXCLUSIVE
By Rob Stewart
Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt believes Paul Scholes will be a “revelation” for the Premier League champions following his decision to come out of retirement.
Prior to Sunday's FA Cup third round clash with Manchester City, it was announced that Scholes had re-joined the champions and would feature on the bench at the Etihad Stadium, with his second-half appearance helping Sir Alex Ferguson's side to a 3-2 victory.
Butt helped United win six Premier League titles alongside Scholes for the Red Devils, and has endorsed his former team-mate to bolster the defending champions as they attempt to over-take their city rivals at the top of the table.
“For me it was a no-brainer as far as the club is concerned now that Paul is back in the fold as an extra player and it will give everyone a lift,” Butt told Goal.com.
“He could be either be a revelation and be brilliant and play in every game or be a substitute and just play here and there and just help out but whatever happens it is a very good move for all parties concerned.
“For the manager as well it will have been a no-brainer because he knows what sort of character he is and is familiar with his qualities, so he will know what he can bring to the team.”
The former Newcastle man and Scholes played together in the United midfield after coming through the ranks at Old Trafford alongside David Beckham, Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs, and the 36-year-old knows enough about the former England international to be certain that age will not be an impediment to his performances.
“When you bring someone from the outside into the club, sometimes it takes a while for them to settle in but with Scholesy he knows the club inside-out and so he’s been able to hit the ground running,” added Butt.
“It was surprising but I knew that he was getting a bit twitchy about playing again as he trained with the reserves as [manager] Warren Joyce’s assistant. He had been keeping himself fit and was a little bit upset that he had retired a bit too early.
“He decided to speak to the manager and one thing led to another and the outcome was that he has come back for the last few months of the season.”
Butt continued: “It’s amazing what Scholesy can bring to the table. He’s the sort of player that will inspire his team-mates because he is one of the best footballers you’ll ever see anywhere.
“He will lift everyone. He is a phenomenal player who can do everything in midfield because he’s blessed with a real footballing brain and amazing football skills plus he has a vast amount of experience that will come in handy for the rest of the season.”
United are currently sitting in second place in the Premier League table behind City following defeats to Blackburn and Newcastle, yet Butt is bullish about his old club’s chances of winning a 20th domestic title with the 37-year-old Scholes back in the ranks.
“I wouldn’t put it down to Scholesy as to whether their chances of winning the title are better or not with him having been out of the team for so long,” Butt added.
“I don’t think the chances of United winning the Premier League should rest on Paul’s shoulders but I do think that the chances of them holding on to their title with or without Paul are very good.
“By their own admission, they haven’t played great throughout the season and they have lost a few games when their form has dipped but they are still only three points behind City which speaks volumes for the club.
“In my opinion, the few months from the turn of the year will make or break their season because it always does. This is normally the time when Man United kicks on so it will be interesting to see what happens.
“But to be fair, Manchester City and Tottenham are both excellent teams as well, and they aren’t doing too much wrong at the moment.”
By Rob Stewart
Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt believes Paul Scholes will be a “revelation” for the Premier League champions following his decision to come out of retirement.
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Prior to Sunday's FA Cup third round clash with Manchester City, it was announced that Scholes had re-joined the champions and would feature on the bench at the Etihad Stadium, with his second-half appearance helping Sir Alex Ferguson's side to a 3-2 victory.
Butt helped United win six Premier League titles alongside Scholes for the Red Devils, and has endorsed his former team-mate to bolster the defending champions as they attempt to over-take their city rivals at the top of the table.
“For me it was a no-brainer as far as the club is concerned now that Paul is back in the fold as an extra player and it will give everyone a lift,” Butt told Goal.com.
“He could be either be a revelation and be brilliant and play in every game or be a substitute and just play here and there and just help out but whatever happens it is a very good move for all parties concerned.
“For the manager as well it will have been a no-brainer because he knows what sort of character he is and is familiar with his qualities, so he will know what he can bring to the team.”
The former Newcastle man and Scholes played together in the United midfield after coming through the ranks at Old Trafford alongside David Beckham, Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs, and the 36-year-old knows enough about the former England international to be certain that age will not be an impediment to his performances.
“When you bring someone from the outside into the club, sometimes it takes a while for them to settle in but with Scholesy he knows the club inside-out and so he’s been able to hit the ground running,” added Butt.
“It was surprising but I knew that he was getting a bit twitchy about playing again as he trained with the reserves as [manager] Warren Joyce’s assistant. He had been keeping himself fit and was a little bit upset that he had retired a bit too early.
“He decided to speak to the manager and one thing led to another and the outcome was that he has come back for the last few months of the season.”
Comeback kid l Paul Scholes is being tipped to lift United following his return to action
Butt continued: “It’s amazing what Scholesy can bring to the table. He’s the sort of player that will inspire his team-mates because he is one of the best footballers you’ll ever see anywhere.
“He will lift everyone. He is a phenomenal player who can do everything in midfield because he’s blessed with a real footballing brain and amazing football skills plus he has a vast amount of experience that will come in handy for the rest of the season.”
United are currently sitting in second place in the Premier League table behind City following defeats to Blackburn and Newcastle, yet Butt is bullish about his old club’s chances of winning a 20th domestic title with the 37-year-old Scholes back in the ranks.
“I wouldn’t put it down to Scholesy as to whether their chances of winning the title are better or not with him having been out of the team for so long,” Butt added.
“I don’t think the chances of United winning the Premier League should rest on Paul’s shoulders but I do think that the chances of them holding on to their title with or without Paul are very good.
“By their own admission, they haven’t played great throughout the season and they have lost a few games when their form has dipped but they are still only three points behind City which speaks volumes for the club.
“In my opinion, the few months from the turn of the year will make or break their season because it always does. This is normally the time when Man United kicks on so it will be interesting to see what happens.
“But to be fair, Manchester City and Tottenham are both excellent teams as well, and they aren’t doing too much wrong at the moment.”
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