Paul Scholes

Paul Scholes was born on November 16, 1974, in Salford, Greater Manchester, England. As a child, he excelled in sports and was particularly drawn to playing football. Scholes grew up as a supporter of Oldham Athletic but began his career with Manchester United. He joined the Manchester United youth team in 1991 and quickly progressed through the ranks, making his debut for the first team in 1994.

Paul Scholes made his debut for Manchester United on September 21, 1994, in a League Cup match against Port Vale. Scholes scored both goals in a 2-1 victory for Manchester United. This debut marked the beginning of what would become an illustrious career at Manchester United, where Scholes was known for his exceptional technique, vision, and scoring ability from midfield.

Paul Scholes was a key member of the Manchester United team that won the UEFA Champions League in 1999. Although Scholes was suspended for the final, Manchester United completed a famous treble by also winning the Premier League and FA Cup that season. The team secured a memorable victory over Bayern Munich, scoring two late goals to win 2-1, securing their place in history.

Paul Scholes announced his retirement from international football on August 9, 2004, at the age of 29. He cited a desire to focus on his club career and family as reasons for this decision. Scholes had earned 66 caps for England and scored 14 goals. Despite retiring relatively early from international duty, he was widely regarded as one of the most talented midfielders of his generation, known for his technical ability and vision.

On April 29, 2008, Paul Scholes scored the only goal in the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona. His stunning long-range strike secured a 1-0 win for Manchester United and a place in the final. This goal is often considered one of Scholes' finest moments, showcasing his ability to perform on the biggest stage. Manchester United went on to win the Champions League that year.

Paul Scholes initially retired from professional football on May 31, 2011. Scholes ended his first retirement with a testimonial match against the New York Cosmos on August 5, 2011. His career at that point had earned him 10 Premier League titles with Manchester United, as well as numerous other domestic and international honors, making him one of the most decorated players in English football history.

On January 8, 2012, Paul Scholes came out of retirement to rejoin Manchester United, responding to a request from manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Scholes made his return in an FA Cup match against Manchester City, marking a surprise comeback. His decision was met with a mixture of excitement and surprise by fans and pundits alike. Scholes continued to play for Manchester United until finally retiring in 2013.

Paul Scholes retired for the second and final time from professional football on May 19, 2013. His retirement came at the end of the 2012-2013 Premier League season, in which Manchester United won the league title. Scholes' final match was against West Bromwich Albion, which ended in a thrilling 5-5 draw. His career was celebrated for his intelligence on the pitch and his contributions to United's success.

Paul Scholes released his autobiography, 'My Story,' on February 27, 2014. In it, he recounts his illustrious career with Manchester United and offers a candid reflection on his life both on and off the pitch. The book provides insights into his approach to football, his experiences under Sir Alex Ferguson, and his views on the England national team. Scholes also discusses his personality and career decisions.

On February 11, 2019, Paul Scholes was appointed as the manager of Oldham Athletic, the club he supported as a boy. However, his managerial stint was short-lived. He resigned on March 14, 2019, after managing the team for just 31 days. Despite the brief tenure, Scholes's appointment was notable as it marked a new chapter in his footballing career, transitioning from playing to management.