Paul Scholes confesses he may not be able to play all the matches for Manchester United
Manchester United finished on the second spot last year in the English Premier League after losing the competition by just one point to Chelsea. Manchester United lost two of its top players in the last season in the form of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez, but their in-form striker Wayne Rooney bore the burden of the world load which was the main reason why United finished second in the league. Rooney, in a herculean effort, scored 34 goals in the last season, and was perhaps a one man army which stood between the Manchester United keeper and the opposition. Manchester United won the Carling Cup but was knocked out in the quarterfinals by Bayern Munich. Meanwhile, Leeds United defeated the Red Devils in the knockout stages of the FA Cup as well, leading to massive disappointment for its fans.
However, things are expected to change in the upcoming season. Veteran midfielder Paul Scholes now wants the premier league trophy back at Manchester, and would give it his all to win the trophy for a record 19th time for his club. Scholes, who is 35 year old, confessed that he may not be able to play all the matches owing to his age. United have to play a 38 match season in the premier league along with their Champions League, Carling Cup and FA Cup obligations, and Scholes knows that it may not be possible for any of the players to play all these matches. Paul is currently training hard for his side in their pre-season campaign in America and would want to hit top form in time for the new season. United are to play an MLS All-stars team on Wednesday at the Reliant Stadium, USA. The three stalwarts in the shape of Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes have been part of the Manchester United squad for more than fifteen years. Scholes now admits that the manager is aware of the age issue, and gives the veterans more rest than usual.
The midfielder sated that playing two or three matches each week is not a possibility now and would be rested for one or two of them. Scholes added that he wished to stay fit for all of them, and play for his beloved club whenever required by the manager.
"It is accepted, definitely, given there are that many games and at our age we have to be ready when the manager needs us”, confirmed the midfielder.
The player added that he trains every day, and hates to miss a single training session. Scholes added that he didn’t miss a training session last season, and managed to avoid injuries, which is a commendable effort considering his age. Scholes stated that for a club like Manchester United, staying fit is important and was delighted to remain fit in the last season when the Red Devils’ squad was plagued with injuries.
Many critics predicted Manchester United to slip to at least the fourth spot, after losing players like Ronaldo and Tevez. However, the club gave it their all and took the title race till the very last fixture. They however managed to win only one trophy last season, and would be looking to improve on that front. Manchester’s longest serving players are nearing their retirement along with manager Alex Ferguson who himself is hovering near 69. It would only be a matter of time when Ferguson quits, and therefore would want to add more trophies to his name, and make history for the club and himself.
Scholes pointed out that the “dark December” last year was the main cause of slipping to the second spot, as many of the experienced defenders were injured. Midfielders Carrick and Fletcher were used as make shift defenders, and United suffered owing to that. They were only able to win 3 out of their 7 fixtures in December, and Scholes hoped that nothing of the sort should ever repeat in the future.
The 35-year-old stated that the club wasn’t able to win what they aimed for but were very close on winning the title. The player added that although the injuries are not an excuse, yet they really did affect the overall outcome of the season, and would want to avoid that in the next season.
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