Paul Scholes' return to football for Manchester United has been hailed as a masterstroke after their FA Cup third-round win over Manchester City, but questions remain about the club's midfield future. Scholes, 37, came out of retirement to play for United again, appearing as a substitute in the 3-2 derby victory at the Etihad Stadium.
The former England international completed 97% of his passes in a 31-minute cameo, but also conceded possession in the build-up to City's second goal and was left exhausted. His return has been seen by some as an act of desperation, highlighting United's lack of midfield quality.
Manager Sir Alex Ferguson admitted he needed something extra in midfield by bringing Scholes back, but it raises concerns about young players like Paul Pogba and Ravel Morrison. The decision papers over the cracks of Ferguson's failure to sign a top-class central midfielder in the summer.
United's win was secured by goals from Wayne Rooney (2) and Danny Welbeck, but City fought back through Aleksandar Kolarov and Sergio Aguero. Ferguson was critical of his players' carelessness, while City boss Roberto Mancini praised his side's resilience.
