Scholes returns to United side

Paul Scholes returns to the Manchester United side tonight with Alex Ferguson believing the England midfielder can give them the extra dimension they have been missing.

It is 11 games since Scholes started a game for the Red Devils, since when a couple of substitute appearances either side of his groin operation have been his only match action.

Yet such is his importance to United that half an hour against Aston Villa on Saturday was enough to convince Ferguson Scholes should be restored to the side that needs a Champions League victory over Stuttgart at Old Trafford to grab top spot in Group E.

“Without doubt Paul is one of the best players in Europe,” said the United boss. “He found it hard on Saturday, as anyone would when they have been out for so long. I expect more of him tonight but it is good to have him back.

“You only have to look at his record to see how important he is to us. He scored 20 goals last season alone, which was outstanding, and has over 100 for the club altogether. That is a remarkable achievement for a midfield player.

“He will always be a goal threat because his timing is so good but there are other parts to his game too.

“He is two-footed, has quick feet and an excellent football brain. He is such a clever player any team would miss him.”

Scholes’ introduction is likely to be at the expense of Roy Keane, whose body can no longer cope with two games a week.

Ferguson, who is set to sign his contract extension early next week, clearly believes his captain will be of more use in Saturday’s Manchester derby.

However, with victory required this evening to ensure United avoid Juventus, Real Madrid and AC Milan in the first knock-out stage, it is debatable which is the more important game.

Tim Howard may also miss out after collecting a minor knock in training late last week, with Ferguson ready to offer Roy Carroll a rare European start.

For statistical buffs tonight’s encounter represents the irresistible force against the immovable object.

United are unbeaten in 16 European ties at Old Trafford stretching back over two years. However, in Stuttgart, they meet a side who have conceded just three goals in the Bundesliga this term, where they remain unbeaten.

Aside from a recent German Cup reverse, their only defeat of the season came against Rangers at Ibrox and even a goal from Ruud van Nistelrooy could not stop United slipping to a 2-1 defeat in the first meeting between the teams in October.

“Stuttgart have kept a clean sheet in 12 of their 15 league games,” said Ferguson. “It is a fantastic achievement and you would think it must be some kind of record.

“They have a strong work ethic and really put a lot of effort in for each other.

“Questions will be asked of them as the season goes on and things may be different once they have lost a game or two but you have to admire and respect their defensive record.

“Put it this way, we can’t afford to go behind. If we do, it will be very difficult to pull back.”