Man Unitedai??i??s Corner: Paul Scholes & Ryan Giggs – Forever In Your Debt

By Nipun Malhotra
13 years Ago

As Ryan Giggs next steps foot on the football field wearing the United crest on his heart it will be the 900th appearance for his beloved Reds. Longevity is the middle name of the Welsh wizard as he penned another one year deal with the Old Trafford club to take him into his 23rd year for the senior team. Before the commencement of every season farewells start rolling out for the legendary winger cum midfielder in anticipation of his departure from the center stage only to find Giggs make a mockery of all predictions and carry on with no evident signs of slowing down at least w.r.t his footballing acumen. Itai??i??s about time we all give up and marvel at this once a lifetime phenomenon who still leaves full backs in twisted blood, well on occasions when he plays down the wing.

Paul Scholes, on the other hand, decided he had enough only to find the charm of United too alluring and the love of the game yet unquenched. Critics had questioned his declining ability to control the game, like he used to in his heydays, there were signs perhaps of Ginger maestroai??i??s best days being firmly behind him. Scholes had his testimonial, scored a cracker and in customary Paul Scholes manner bid adieu with no over the top hoopla, just like he played the game. In a quite understudy style, the legend hung up his boots, only for new stars to emerge take the club forward after Scholes had catapulted its fortunes to the zenith.

Nevertheless, with the club in some semblance of trouble with the mounting injury list and the Mancini led City calling the shots in the title race, Scholesy walked up to Sir Alex Ferguson to offer his services and carry the burden. After all, who best to replace the irreplaceable than the man himself, eh?

Ferguson didnai??i??t need a second invitation, the gaffer said:

There were no negatives as far as I was concerned. How can it be regressive? You’re getting a player for nothing who’s been part of the club for 20-odd years.

And so one of the best kept secret since Osamaai??i??s hiding place was finally unveiled an hour before kick off against the old enemy – Man City as the Ginger Wizard found himself on the United bench. Critics were as usual dismissive of the return as it was viewed as a backward step by an under fire manager looking to salvage the fortunes of his crumbling empire by indulging in nostalgia rather than long-term progress. There were a few skeptics even inside the confines of the Theatre of Dreams as it meant the end of a marquee midfield arrival to Old Trafford.

Five weeks hence and there isnai??i??t a hitherto pessimist nodding in submission nor a critic having his share of humble pie. Unitedai??i??s rudderless midfield has found a new or rather regained its old anchor. The legs might have gone but a well rested and astutely used Scholesy is still the best in business and yet some way ahead of his contemporaries.

Against City in his first match back since retirement, Scholes came on as a second half substitute and statistics showed that the maestro had a pass completion rate of 97 per cent during his 31-minute outing. In his first start in his second innings, Scholes outplayed a hapless Bolton side at Old Trafford and in the process notched up his comeback goal, the opener in a solid 3-0 win. Another 90% pass completion rate with those cross field passes to either wing wereAi??back in action to the delight of a delirious OT crowd.

Against the Gunners at their own backyard, Scholes managed a brief substitute appearance as United needed to protect their slender one goal lead. Scholes trodded onto the fieldAi??and the master of keep ball hogged all the possession and United emerged victorious. Needless to quote his pass completion rate, as it was almost perfect. Since then against the likes of Liverpool at Anfield and at Old Trafford, Scholes has easily been the most assured midfielder on display and the Carrick-Scholes axis has virtually nullified the opposition midfield.

The F.A Cup loss at Anfield was a testimony to Scholes pedigree as United lost control of the duel as soon as their midfield lynchpin had to be subbed off. Another testament was his game changing display at the Bridge when coupled with his partner in crime ai??i?? Giggs the duo revitalized United and salvaged a famous point. Clearly, there is no substitute for class certainly not of this level for sure. A revitalized Scholes could yet hold the key en route to title #20.

The grand old man of Manchester United on the other hand, the one Ryan Giggs shows no signs of aging other than those streaks of grey hair on his head. Still committed, eternally hungry for success and perpetually striving for excellence Giggsyai??i??s transformation into a center mid has been quite sublime. With three of the five recognized center midfielderai??i??s (Cleverley, Anderson, Fletcher) at the club missing almost three-quarters of the season with injury, the 38 years young Ryan Giggs has once again risen to the challenge, and that was perhaps never in doubt.

Giggsy might frustrate the viewer with the passes he seems to over/under hit but quite obviously with Carrick protecting the United rearguard, Giggs bears the mantle of unlocking the opposition defense. Notably Giggsy is 4th in the assist table, four behind David Silva having played a lot lesser games than the Spaniard. Be it left-wing or center midfield Giggs invariably produces the most important ball of the game like the match equaling assist against Chelsea at the Bridge. With United still favoring a variant of 4-4-2, the Giggs – Carrick combination has perpetually come up against the opposition three men midfields and almost always stood up to them with a little bit of help from Wayne Rooney dropping deep from his position upfront.

Although the two golden oldies continue to astonish and surprise us with their continued brilliance over two decades and even in the twilight of their magnificent careers, the club shouldnai??i??t really be in a position to depend so heavily on a 37 & 38-year-old shoulder for match turning performances. Even though they donai??i??t seem or act like their age and continue to defy common conventions, Giggsy and Scholsey are human after all. There has to be a backup plan and the transformation should be seamless, although that might be a near impossible task.

Perhaps this season was a nadir in terms of injuries and therefore the reliance on the two old warriors seemed more profound. With the young and expectant Cleverley in the ranks and the enigmatic yet, on his day brilliant Anderson waiting in the wings, the transition will hopefully be a little less bumpy than imagined.

Nevertheless, for all their unparalleled contribution and uncountable moments of joy, the duo will perhaps have no parallels in modern-day football, Giggs and Scholes shall remain the first among equals.

Categories: COVER STORY, Editor's Pick, English Premier League, Manchester United
Tags: Manchester United Paul Scholes Ryan Giggs

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