the San Siro and City in the Carling Cup were further proof that the big players come good on the big occasions.

Scholes had one more title-winning campaign left in him, although he unusually managed only one goal during the successful 2010/11 season, away to Fulham. That was his 150th and final strike for the Reds, while his last United appearance came as a substitute in the UEFA Champions League final defeat to Barcelona at Wembley. He signed off with an incredible 676 matches under his belt, leaving only three legends ahead of him on the all-time list - namely Bill Foulkes (688), Sir Bobby Charlton (758) and Ryan Giggs (876 at end of

2010/11).

Scholes announced his retirement three days after the Wembley final, but made a shock return to the United fold on 8 January 2012 and came on as a substitute in the FA Cup third round victory at Manchester City. He admitted: “I’ve been pretty clear since I stopped playing that I miss it."

United, it transpired, had missed him too. Scholes slotted back into Sir Alex’s team almost seamlessly and featured in 21 of the season’s remaining 24 games. His touch, vision and passing was as good as ever and the midfielder will now play on until at least the end of 2012/13. Enjoy him while you can.