Sc(hole)s in the middle ?

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It all began in May last year. Within the space of a week, Manchester United got outplayed in midfield by a superb Barcelona side and subsequently, Paul Scholes announced his decision to retire from football. The discussion at that point was not whether Sir Alex Ferguson would buy a midfielder, but which one? A winger, a goalkeeper and a defender were signed. No Midfielder. Fast-forward four months and United played Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford with a Midfield consisting of a Right Back and a winger on New Year’s eve. United lost. The speculation began again.

Eight days later, Sir Alex Ferguson signed Paul Scholes on a deal till the end of the season. Fans rejoiced. Critics deplored the decision. A short term solution to a long term problem, they cried. Interestingly enough, this was one of the rare occasions that loud-mouthed critics were actually correct. It is a short term solution, but it isn’t a mistake.

January is a seller’s market. Players get bought at ridiculous prices (I’m looking at you Carroll) as a result of knee-jerk reactions by clubs who are concerned about their league position. If Sir Alex wants to buy a world class midfielder, that player’s value will increase by atleast 50 per cent during this transfer window. It makes absolutely no sense to splurge on a player who can be bought at a cheaper price during next summer.

But due to several long term absentees in midfield (Cleverely, Anderson and Fletcher) Sir Alex required a midfielder to do a job for the team. What better option than a ginger prince who was missing the feeling of playing football at Old Trafford. Paul Scholes represents the best ‘value for money’ deal at this moment. He is a supremely talented footballer, didn’t cost a fortune, has Premier League experience, knows the United way of playing and will be willing to sit on the bench when the injured players return. And to anyone grumbling about his age, there’s a saying about wines that I would like you to read up on.