‘Ginger prince’ ready to give big two a royal scare

PAUL SCHOLES has banished the demons that haunted him for seven months and Ryan Giggs believes Manchester United’s “ginger prince” could now give Chelsea and Arsenal a severe scare.

It has been 20 long games since Scholes last found the net, his brutal FA Cup semi-final winner against the Gunners in April. Since then it has been one failure after another. Not even a shock retirement from international duty has stirred Scholes into life.

So listless had he become that previously unthinkable talk of him being axed by Alex Ferguson was starting to be raised. But those inside Old Trafford’s hallowed halls stood firm.

Ferguson kept faith with one of his favourite players and finally received his reward with the magnificent volley that rounded off victory over a depressingly disappointing Charlton outfit.

Scholes openly admitted his lengthy goal drought had been playing on his mind. Now it is over, it would be no surprise to Giggs if his fellow old stager turned a trickle to a flood.

“Paul produced a great performance at Newcastle last week and carried it on against Charlton. He has topped it off with a great finish and knowing the player he is, he will probably go on and score in every game now,” said Giggs.

Apart from reviving Scholes’ confidence, the goal also helped cement a victory United so desperately required after tossing away the momentum gained by previous high profile victories over Liverpool and Arsenal.

What United could really do with are a few more obliging opponents like Charlton.

“They weren’t much of a threat and we were comfortable throughout,” said Scholes.

“Now we have to go on a big, winning run. It is vital we do that to have any chance of challenging for the league.”

Charlton could do United a massive favour by beating Chelsea at The Valley next week, just as they did last season. Alan Curbishley knows they will have to show a vast improvement to offer Jose Mourinho’s men any type of challenge, although the memory of their famous performance 12 months ago may give them the belief so badly lacking at Old Trafford.

“United haven’t been scoring many goals but you look around their side and know the belief they eventually will is there,” said the Addicks chief.

Ferguson can now focus on his 1000th game in charge against Lyon tomorrow night knowing victory will ease United into the knock-out stages with a game to spare.