His assured calmness under pressure and pin-point passing ability was, at times, faultless. Despite a clamour to add some quality to England's midfield at Euro 2012, he had expressed a desire to retire from international football during Fabio Capello's reign - after earning 22 caps - he was able to recharge his batteries in the summer before heading off on the DHL tour in July.

It is a remarkable fact that, since joining the United in 2006, he has only lost out in a league title race by one point (to Chelsea in 2009/2010) and goal difference (to Manchester City in 2011/2012).