Players stunned by Scholes’ inclusion

PAUL SCHOLES may have cost United a goal in the incident-packed Manchester derby, but team-mate Wayne Rooney has no doubt the return of the 37-year-old former England midfielder will hand a ‘psychological lift to his club.

Alex Ferguson stunned everyone — including his own players — when he brought Scholes, whom he had registered with the FA on Friday, out of retirement and placed him on the United bench.

Scholes played over half an hour as a replacement for Nani as United looked to take the impetus out of City’s second-half recovery but soon played a part in gifting the opposition a second goal.

However, Rooney had no doubt about the wisdom of Ferguson’s decision.

“It was a bit of a shock,” he said. “We didn’t know until we were in the dressing room. It was great and gave everybody a lift. His quality was there for all to see.”

Incredibly, Scholes is the first central midfielder to sign for the club since Anderson in 2007 and cynics will point to the move as an act of desperation with the issue raging of how much Ferguson has his hands tied in the transfer market.

Ferguson, however, could not conceal his delight at the development. “It’s fantastic that Paul has made this decision,” he said.

“It’s always sad to see great players end their careers, but especially so when they do it early.

“But he has kept himself in great shape and I always felt that he had another season in him. It’s terrific to have him back.”

Scholes’ return certainly surprised opposing manager Roberto Mancini who joked: “When I saw he was on the bench, I told [coach] David [Platt], go on the bench, please!

“But Paul Scholes is a fantastic player. He is no stranger to us but it was still an incredible surprise.”