Soccer: Man Utd stay mum on Scholes rumour

Manchester United have steadfastly refused to comment on a report that Paul Scholes failed to turn up for Monday’s Worthington Cup game against Arsenal.

Scholes reportedly refused to travel down to Highbury with the rest of the squad, which was mainly composed of reserve players, for the third-round tie which United lost 4-0.

The 26-year-old England midfielder did not feature in the starting 11 or on the bench, even though he had only been used as a substitute the previous day against Liverpool.

Scholes had started that game at Anfield, which United lost 3-1, on the bench after being dropped by manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

United will not be drawn on what did or did not happen and all director of communications Paddy Harverson would say is: ‘‘We have no comment.’’

If the bust-up is true it would very much be out of character for Scholes but if it is the case that he did refuse to play at Arsenal then he could be punished and fined.

United’s usual fine for such a breach of discipline is two weeks’ wages, which would cost Scholes around £80,000.