United's Unsung Hero

As Alex Ferguson claims his 9th Premier League crown in the last 15 years with Manchester United, it has been impossible to avoid the fuss over United’s young guns Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo. And rightly so, they have been outstanding for United bringing pace, flair and a new found hunger to the team.
We cannot, however, forget that there have been many other top performers in the team, Ferdinand and Vidic have been solid at the back, Gary Neville has enjoyed one of his best seasons ever, Ryan Giggs is also living a renaissance, and Michael Carrick has quickly settled into the United way of doing things.
It is, however, Paul Scholes who should be on the receiving end of his fair share of the praise. Although Carrick was the big money arrival in the summer, it has been Scholes' return to regular first team action that has sparked United’s return to glory.
He has always been a very mature player, but with the years he has been developing into one of the most cultured footballers in Europe. A very technical and energetic player, his game can be characterized by its simplicity; always offers an option to his teammates, rarely gives away possession, has an excellent eye for the killer pass and is a regular scorer of spectacular goals. It is these goals that have made him stand out in many peoples eyes, as much for their importance as for their beauty...his volley against Aston Villa earlyer in the season is a sure contender for the best strike of the 2006/07 campaign.
Like the top continental players, he will rarely take more than one or two touches, and it is this factor which is fundamental to United's fast, free flowing football. By taking as few touches as possible he is able to orchestrate the rhythm of the game. When Scholes plays well, United play well, yet he can often appear unnoticed. In Carrick he has found the perfect midfield ally, another player keen to move the ball quickly, but who prefers to lie deeper in midfield, allowing Scholes greater freedom.
Scholes has become famous for his 'bad' tackling, although he has never let the team down defensively, as what he lacks technically, he more than makes up for in hard work and tenacity.
Unlike some of his more glamorous teammates and fellow members of the 'Fergie's Fledglings' generation, Scholes has always shyed away from the limelight and individual praise, which may have cost him in terms of receiving the end of season personal honours. Ronaldo has already been awarded the PFA Player and Young Player of the year awards, which few could argue against, but surely no one would begrudge Paul Scholes if he received the Football Writers edition of the prize for the season’s best performer.
Even if the individual prizes once again elude him, he will still remain number one for United's fans and of course the manager, Alex Ferguson.
Oh, how have England missed Paul Scholes since his retirement from international football in 2004.