Ferguson sceptical over Scholes return
Scholes’ recent admission that he regretted turning down Fabio Capello’s offer of a place at the World Cup has triggered more talk about a possible retirement U-turn by the in-form 35-year-old, who quit international football immediately after Euro 2004.
However, Ferguson said he would be stunned if the midfielder was involved in the Euro 2012 double-header with Bulgaria and Switzerland.
“I have no idea about England. I wouldn’t have thought so,” said Ferguson.
It can be argued that the player’s exceptional early-season form – he scored his 150th United goal at Fulham last weekend – is a direct by-product of his international retirement, because he now has more time to recharge his body.
Yet West Ham boss Avram Grant, whose side are set to encounter Scholes at Old Trafford today, thinks it would be a shame if his international career finished on its current 66 caps.
“It would be good for England if it happened and also good for him, because in my view, to serve your country is a privilege. It is something that is more than any other thing,” said Grant.
“His age doesn’t matter because he plays so well. If Paul Scholes was 27 he would be in the squad, so someone needs to speak with him and tell him he is 27 years old, then he will be in the squad.”
Wayne Rooney has recovered from the virus that forced him to sit out the Craven Cottage encounter, although with Rio Ferdinand and Anderson nearing full fitness, Ferguson admits selecting his teams is becoming a problem again.
“Everyone is fit, although when you get everyone fit at this club it is a nightmare because you have 24 players all reporting and I can only pick 11,” he shrugged. “It is totally unfair. We should be allowed to pick 16 at least.”
Ferdinand is not one of those under consideration to face the Hammers, although the 31-year-old has made startling progress since his manager claimed it would be the end of September before he would be available after the freak training ground injury he suffered in a collision with Emile Heskey on England’s first day of World Cup training.
As United do have a Manchester Senior Cup tie against Oldham next Wednesday, an opportunity for Ferdinand to begin his comeback from that knee ligament injury is available.
Anderson, who made a reserve team appearance in midweek after completing his recovery from the cruciate knee ligament injury he suffered in February, could also come into contention soon. However, in both cases, Ferguson is wary of expecting too much too quickly.
Ferguson also hit out yesterday at what feels is a “vicious” attack on new arrival Bebe.
It had been suggested the 20-year-old had been a major disappointment since his £7million arrival from Vitoria Guimaraes and that Ferguson had made a mistake investing so much in a player he had never actually seen.
“I know he has had a couple of vicious attacks on him for why he wasn’t playing in the reserve game but he was never going to be playing on Tuesday,” said Ferguson.
“The boy did not deserve that.
“He is a young man trying to make his way in football. They didn’t need to do that. It was a really bitter attack. Ability-wise he is excellent. He is a terrific finisher.
“We have been very impressed with that. It is just the fitness levels he needs to get to.”
Meanwhile, West Ham are waiting to discover whether they can include new loan signing Victor Obinna in their squad for the clash with United.
Carlton Cole, Robert Green and Kieron Dyer are all set to return after being rested for the Carling Cup win over Oxford.
Grant is hopeful Matthew Upson will also be fit after he suffered a blow to the face in the 3-1 defeat to Bolton, though he also has Tal Ben Haim and Manuel Da Costa pushing for selection.
Midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger remains out with a thigh injury.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
