Ferguson defends Scholes recall

ALEX FERGUSON has rejected the suggestion Paul Scholes’ Manchester United return is a step backwards.

The United manager sprang a major surprise when he confirmed Scholes had come out of retirement ahead of the FA Cup tie at Manchester City last Sunday.

Ferguson had not even told his players, so determined was he for the news not to leak out prematurely.

Yet, once the shock had subsided, many began to question why United needed the services of a 37-year-old and yesterday’s departure of Darron Gibson to Everton has brought yet more claims that books are being balanced at Old Trafford.

“There were no negatives as far as I was concerned,” Ferguson said.

“One or two people have been negative. They’re making out it’s been a ‘regressive step’ for Manchester United. How can it be regressive? You’re getting a player for nothing who’s been part of the club for 20-odd years.

“He’s not going to play every game but in terms of composure and passing ability, is there a better player going around? Definitely not.”

Once the decision was made, Ferguson’s biggest dilemma was ensuring the news did not leak out, not even inside his own dressing room. “I don’t know how we managed it,” he said.

“We registered him on the Friday, and thought somehow it would get out. But we didn’t let any of the players know simply because of the impact value.”

Ferguson has always reflected on the fact Scholes is one of the easiest players he has ever had to manage.

Meanwhile Ferguson believes a points total in the high 80s could be needed in order to retain the title.

United required only 80 to claim a record 19th championship last term, by an impressive nine-point margin from Chelsea and Manchester City. They have already reached 45 from their first 20 games this season, yet, after successive defeats to Blackburn and Newcastle, still find themselves three adrift of City, with Spurs now trailing the Red Devils only on goal difference.

Ferguson is not convinced any club will be able to maintain that momentum over the arduous second half of the campaign. However, the United boss acknowledges the demands this term are going to be much greater.

“It could be the high 80s the rate it is going, which is surprising,” said Ferguson.

Ahead of today’s Old Trafford encounter with relegation-threatened Bolton Ferguson conceded United’s tricky programme over the remainder of the campaign, including a succession of away matches against nearly all their rivals, makes life especially difficult.

“I don’t think it is impossible for the final totals to be double the number of points we have now but it is unlikely,” he said.

“It would be a hard task for the three of us to maintain that kind of consistency and get another 45 points.

“We have very difficult games away from home; Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester City. That is four massive games.”