Sunday’s FA Cup tie against our noisy neighbours saw the return of one of the greatest players ever to do the red jersey. Paul Scholes returned to Sir Alex’s Ferguson having been in retirement since the end of last season. If you read the articles in the press you read of a world class player who missed the buzz of being a professional footballer. If you listen to feel their excitement as one of their heros rises from the ashes.
The return of Paul Scholes has created a bit of a buzz and excitement amongst the players, the staff and the fans. However, all it does is paper over the very large cracks that are present in this squad. We have spoken about this for years now but the need to purchase not one but a few central midfielders is blindingly obvious.
The fact that we have brought a 37 year old out of retirement is sad on some levels. The fact that he is likely to vastly improve our options is a joke. I believe it is now safe to say that teams like Spurs and Newcastle can now be added to the growing list of teams who are stronger in the centre of the park than we are.
My wish for 2012 is to see some vintage Paul Scholes performances over the next few months and to see at least two replacements come in for him in the summer. We are no longer talking of a Wesley Sneijder or a Mesut Ozil. It has got to the stage where a Parker, Meireles, Tiote or Cabaye would vastly improve what we have got.
So come on Fergie, let’s get the cheque book out and let the Ginger magician enjoy his well deserved retirement!!
