Scholesy revives hopes of magic 19

THE temptation to now do what I usually do in these situations – bang on for at least 300 words about how marvellous Paul Scholes is, and why he is still our favourite player – is great indeed.

But let us take it as read and just leave it at this: when Gary Neville planted a kiss on the Ginger Prince’s lips, he was truly acting for us all.

Saturday’s result may not have been an accurate reflection of proceedings – has ever a game more dully deserved to finish nil-nil? – but once again, this uproarious season has done us Reds proud. Winning three derbies with Fergie-Time goals in one season is the silly stuff you act out as kids in your back garden, not what you expect to see on the pitch as an adult. And even though the odds remain against us, what seemed to be a dead title campaign just days ago as we brooded in our petrol-fumed bunker has been transformed yet again.