Ferguson lauds United match-winner Scholes
Wednesday, 30 Apr 2008 16:09
Winning goalscorer Paul Scholes hailed by Sir Alex Ferguson
Sir Alex Ferguson has heaped praise on veteran midfielder Paul Scholes after his 25-yard strike sealed
Manchester United's place in the Champions League final.
The Old Trafford youth product fired home from distance after 14 minutes of the clash with Barcelona to give the home side the advantage.
And despite enjoying a superior percentage of possession for the rest of the game, the Catalan side failed to find an end product or any kind of cutting edge as United held firm.
The game in Moscow next month will be the Red Devils' first European final since they won the trophy in the Nou Camp in 1999 - a game that Scholes was forced to sit out because of suspension.
And when asked if the 33-year-old would be the first name on the team-sheet for the showpiece game, Ferguson replied: "Absolutely.
"It is great for Paul to be in the final and it was a fantastic goal.
"I don't think you can expect him to score ten or 15 goals a season like he used to, but when he gets one like that it makes up for the ones he can't score."
The match itself was another cagey affair - much like the first leg in Spain - but Scholes' goal and Barca's adventure going forward made for a more enthralling spectacle.
"It was a bit nervy in the second half because Barcelona had to have a go at 1-0 down," the United boss continued.
"But we got through that spell and in the last 15 minutes I didn't think they made any chances.
"It was emotional at the end but you expect that in a semi-final. The important thing is that we are there and we deserve to be there."