Paul Scholes slipped back into action on Sunday and played his part as United beat Tottenham 3-1 in the FA Cup fourth round.

The fans at Old Trafford greeted his return from a three-month absence with rapturous applause. Moments after coming on for Michael Carrick, it was as if he had never been away as he pinged a perfect pass into the path of Cristiano Ronaldo on the right wing.

Scholes also tried his shooting boots out, narrowly missing the target with an attempt from just outside the box. He popped up at the other end too, using a calm head to nod the ball back into Edwin van der Sar's arms when the visitors were pressing for an equaliser.

"It’s great to have Scholesy back for the big run-in now," says Owen Hargreaves, Paul's partner in central midfield.

"I think Scholesy’s probably one of the best players I’ve ever played with. I think he’ll be our most important players towards the end of the season now. If he's fit, he could be crucial."

Scholes' 27 minutes on Sunday could put him in the frame for a start against Portsmouth, the only team he's scored against this season (in the 1-1 draw on 15 August). Whomever Sir Alex selects, it's inevitable that some top players will have to live with being left out.

"We can’t play every game," accepts Hargreaves, "but the camaraderie’s there and everyone sticks together. As long as we’re successful I think we’ll all be happy."

Owen Hargreaves was talking to MUTV.