Published in October 31st, 2007

　　Does the likely three month absence of Paul Scholes threaten seriously United’s chances of silverware this season?
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　　The midfielder will undergo surgery tomorrow to remedy a knee ligament problem and has been ruled out of football until next February. He will miss 13 Premiership games, the remainder of United’s Champions League group games and the start of the FA Cup campaign.

　　The loss of Scholes is a major blow to United’s pursuit of trophies. Amid the bling, the motors and the sex romps, there is Scholes, blithely ignoring it all, an old school footballer with old world values. Scholes doesn’t do endorsements. Scholes is the last person likely to be involved in a tabloid kiss-and-tell tale. He is just a footballer, so good that legend has it, he’s been on the receiving end of Ferguson’s wrath just once in his career.

　　His return to form last season helped United to the Premiership crown and success in the FA Cup and Champions League. Was it a coincidence? Most observers would say that when Scholes plays, United play and here lies the problem for Sir Alex in the coming months.

　　Scholes brings knowledge, timing, perception and reliability to United’s midfield. He wont disappear when the going gets tough. He’s been among the best midfielders in the world for the last decade, rated by luminous foreign stars as the best Englishman of his generation. That loss is bound to affect the evolution of United’s play as the league settles down after next month’s international break.

　　However, Ferguson has planned for the passing of the remaining members of the golden generation. As bad as it may sound, Scholes misfortune will offer a glorious opportunity for another United midfielder to stake his claim. Scholes was always an automatic choice. Now, United’s midfield is up for grabs. Who will be the most committed and seize their chance?