Paul Scholes facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Paul Scholes

Scholes playing for Manchester United in 2008
Personal information
Date of birth	(1974-11-16) 16 November 1974 (age 50)
Place of birth	Salford, England
Height	5 feet 6 inches (1.68 m)
Playing position	Midfielder
Youth career
	Langley Furrow
1991–1993	Manchester United
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
1993–2011	Manchester United	466	(102)
2012–2013	Manchester United	33	(5)
2018	Royton Town	2	(0)
Total		501	(107)
National team
1993	England U18	4	(1)
1997–2004	England	66	(14)
Teams managed
2015	Salford City (caretaker)
2019	Oldham Athletic
2020	Salford City (interim)
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals).

Paul Scholes (born 16 November 1974) is an English football expert, coach, and former player. He also co-owns the football club Salford City. Paul spent his entire professional playing career with Manchester United. He scored over 150 goals in more than 700 games between 1993 and 2013.

Scholes won an amazing 25 trophies with Manchester United. This includes 11 Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and two UEFA Champions League titles. Many people consider him one of the best midfielders of his time. He was known for his great skills, accurate passes, smart moves, and powerful long-range shots.

Paul Scholes grew up in the Manchester United youth academy. He was part of a special group called "Fergie's Fledglings." These players were trained by the famous manager Alex Ferguson. Scholes played his first full game in the 1994–95 season. He went on to play 718 games for the club. This is the third-highest number of appearances for any United player.

He first retired from playing in May 2011 and became a coach at Manchester United. But he returned to play in January 2012. He played one more season before retiring again in May 2013. Scholes also played for the England national team from 1997 to 2004. He played in 66 international games. He took part in the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cups. He also played in the 2000 and 2004 UEFA European Championships.

Paul Scholes' Early Life

Paul Scholes was born in Salford, England. His family moved to Langley, Greater Manchester, when he was very young. He went to St Mary's RC Primary School in Langley. His first football team was Langley Furrow. Paul was also very good at cricket.

When he was 14, he started training with Manchester United. He joined the club as a trainee in 1991 after leaving school. During his last year at school, he was chosen to play for the Great Britain National Schools football team.

Paul Scholes' Club Career

Starting at Manchester United (1993–1999)

Scholes was part of the Manchester United youth team that reached the FA Youth Cup final in 1992–93. He became a professional player on 23 July 1993. He got the number 24 shirt. He started playing regularly for the senior team in the 1994–95 season. He played 17 league games and scored five goals that year.

His first game was on 21 September 1994. He scored two goals in a 2–1 win against Port Vale in the Football League Cup. Three days later, he played his first league game against Ipswich Town. United lost 3–2, but Scholes scored a goal.

In the 1995 FA Cup Final, Scholes came on as a substitute. United lost 1–0 to Everton. In the 1995–96 season, Scholes got more chances to play. He scored 14 goals as United won both the league and the FA Cup. This was the first time an English team won the "double" twice! He won another Premier League medal in 1996–97. He also changed his shirt number to 18, which he kept for 15 years.

Manchester United players celebrate their second goal by Scholes in the 1999 FA Cup Final against Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium

In 1998–99, Scholes was a key player in Manchester United's amazing season. They won the Premier League title, the FA Cup, and the UEFA Champions League. This is known as the "treble." He scored one of United's two goals in the FA Cup final against Newcastle. He also scored an important away goal against Inter Milan in the Champions League quarter-final. He missed the Champions League final against Bayern Munich because he received a yellow card in the semi-final.

Continuing Success (1999–2007)

Scholes playing for Manchester United in 2006

In the 1999–2000 season, Scholes scored one of his best goals against Bradford City. He volleyed a corner kick from David Beckham into the net. A week later, he scored his first "hat-trick" (three goals) for United. This was in a huge 7–1 win against West Ham United.

In the 2002–03 season, Scholes scored a career-high 20 goals. This included another hat-trick in a 6–2 win against Newcastle. He scored the winning goal in the 2003–04 FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal. United then won the final 3–0 against Millwall. This was his last FA Cup medal. He also played in the 2005 FA Cup final, but United lost to Arsenal in a penalty shoot-out.

Scholes had problems with blurred vision in the 2005–06 season. This made people worry his career might end. But he recovered and played in United's last game of the season. On 22 October 2006, Scholes played his 500th game for United. He joined legends like Bobby Charlton and Ryan Giggs.

The 2006–07 season was one of his best. He was named in the PFA Team of the Year. He was also nominated for the PFA Players' Player of the Year award. He was sent off (given a red card) in a game against Liverpool in March 2007. He was also sent off in a Champions League game against Roma a month later.

Later Years and Retirement (2007–2011)

Scholes (left) playing for Manchester United in 2008

In October 2007, Scholes injured his knee. He was out of action until January 2008. On 23 April 2008, he played his 100th Champions League game. He scored the only goal in a 1–0 win against Barcelona. This sent United to the final. United won the final against Chelsea after a penalty shoot-out. Scholes was substituted during the game due to an injury.

Scholes was added to the English Football Hall of Fame in September 2008. On 22 April 2009, he played his 600th game for United. On 16 February 2010, Scholes scored his 25th Champions League goal. This made him the highest goal-scoring central midfielder in Champions League history.

On 6 March 2010, Scholes scored his 100th Premier League goal. He was the 19th player in history to do so. He signed a new one-year contract with United in April 2010. Scholes started the 2010–11 season very well. He was named Premier League Player of the Month for August 2010. In April 2011, he was sent off in the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City. United lost that game.

Scholes' testimonial match at Old Trafford in 2011

Scholes announced his retirement on 31 May 2011. He then joined United's coaching staff. On 5 August, United held a special game to celebrate his 17 years at the club. This was called a "testimonial match." United won 6–0 against New York Cosmos. Scholes scored the first goal from 25 yards out.

Coming Out of Retirement (2012–2013)

Scholes playing for United against Sunderland in 2012

After training with Manchester United's reserve team, Scholes decided he wanted to play again. He asked Alex Ferguson if he could return. United had many injured midfielders at the time. So, on 8 January 2012, Scholes made his comeback. He came on as a substitute in a 3–2 FA Cup win against Manchester City. He wore the number 22 shirt.

He scored his first goal since returning in a 3–0 win against Bolton Wanderers. This meant he had scored at least one goal in every Premier League season since 1994–95. On 30 May, Scholes signed a new one-year contract. On 15 September 2012, he played his 700th game for Manchester United. He scored in a 4–0 win against Wigan Athletic. This goal meant he had scored in his 19th straight Premier League season. Only Ryan Giggs has a longer record.

On 11 May 2013, Scholes announced his second and final retirement from football. He played his last professional league game on 19 May 2013.

A Brief Return (2018)

In August 2018, Scholes briefly came out of retirement at 43 years old. He played one match for his son's team, Royton Town. Royton lost the game 1–0.

Paul Scholes' International Career

Scholes played four games for the England under-18 team in 1993. He scored one goal. He was part of the England team that won the 1993 UEFA European Under-18 Championship.

He played his first game for the England senior team on 24 May 1997. He scored his first goal for England in his second game, a 2–0 win against Italy. He was chosen for the England squad for the 1998 FIFA World Cup. In England's first World Cup game against Tunisia, Scholes scored a goal to seal a 2–0 victory.

His international career continued after England was knocked out of the World Cup. On 27 March 1999, Scholes scored a hat-trick for England against Poland. He also scored both goals in England's 2–0 win over Scotland. This helped England qualify for UEFA Euro 2000. In June, Scholes became the first and last England player to be sent off at the old Wembley Stadium.

Scholes became a very important player in England's midfield. He was a first-choice player for the 2002 World Cup. Before Euro 2004, he was sometimes played out of his usual position. He announced his retirement from international football in August 2004. He said he wanted to focus on his family and club career.

After England manager Sven-Göran Eriksson left in 2006, there was talk of Scholes returning to play for England. Manager Steve McClaren asked him twice, but Scholes said no. In May 2010, manager Fabio Capello also asked him to return for the 2010 World Cup. But Scholes again turned down the offer. He later said he might have made a mistake by not taking the chance to play in another World Cup.

Paul Scholes' Playing Style

Scholes was highly respected for his football skills. He was known for his accurate passing, smart movement, and powerful long-range shots. When he was younger, he played mostly as a striker. But he grew into a very skilled and versatile midfielder. He could play in many different midfield roles.

He was known for his late runs into the attack and his ability to work well with teammates. He also had a great ability to understand the game. This helped him control the speed of play. He could play in a deep creative role or as a "box-to-box" midfielder. He often started dangerous attacks after winning the ball back.

Scholes admitted he wasn't very fast or good at dribbling. He said his calm play and ability to keep the ball under pressure came from his sharp mind. He had excellent awareness and good link-up play with others. Sometimes, he played in a more advanced attacking role, just behind the main striker. For England, he was sometimes used on the left side of the midfield.

Paul Scholes: Football Ownership and Coaching

Scholes in 2015

In 2014, Scholes and other Manchester United legends bought Salford City. These legends included Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, and Phil Neville. Their plan was to help the club reach the Football League. The group later sold a 50% share in the club to billionaire Peter Lim.

Scholes also helped coach the Manchester United under-19 team. In April 2014, he joined the first-team coaching staff temporarily. This was to help his friend and former teammate Ryan Giggs, who became interim manager.

In January 2015, Scholes and Phil Neville were temporary managers for Salford City for one game. On 19 November 2017, Scholes and Ryan Giggs were invited to help train at a football academy in Vietnam. Scholes worked as a technical advisor there.

On 11 February 2019, Scholes became the manager of Oldham Athletic. He resigned on 14 March, after winning only one of his seven games. He left due to disagreements with the club owner.

On 12 October 2020, Scholes was appointed interim head coach of Salford City. His first game was a 1–0 loss. He quickly said he would not take the job permanently. He felt the club needed a more experienced manager. His first win came three days later. Scholes left the role on 4 November.

Paul Scholes Outside Football

Media Career

In July 2014, Scholes became a football expert for BT Sport. He also appeared on ITV's coverage of Champions League and England games. Scholes had previously been a pundit for Sky Sports. In August, he started writing a column for The Independent newspaper. People have praised him for being honest and direct in his opinions.

Endorsements

Scholes has appeared in EA Sports' FIFA video games. He was on the cover of the international edition of FIFA 2001. He was also named in the Ultimate Team Legends for FIFA 17.

Scholes has worked with sportswear company Nike. He appeared in Nike commercials. In a big Nike ad campaign for the 2002 World Cup, he was in a "Secret Tournament" commercial. He appeared alongside famous players like Thierry Henry and Ronaldo.

University Academy 92

Scholes and other United players who won the 1992 FA Youth Cup have proposed a university. It is called University Academy 92. It would offer different courses than traditional degrees. It aims to attract students who might not otherwise go to higher education.

Paul Scholes' Personal Life

Scholes in 2008

Paul Scholes has asthma. He also had a knee condition called Osgood–Schlatter disease when he was young. He married his childhood sweetheart, Claire, in February 1999. They live in Grasscroft, Greater Manchester. They have a daughter and two sons. Their younger son has autism.

People say his personality off the field is very different from many professional footballers. He avoids being a celebrity and focuses on his job. Former teammate Roy Keane praised Scholes for this after he retired.

Scholes enjoys betting on football. In June 2019, he was fined by The Football Association (FA). This was for placing bets on matches while he was a director of Salford City. He was found to have placed 140 bets over three and a half years. This was against the FA's rules. The FA fined Scholes £8,000.

In an interview before Euro 2004, Scholes described his perfect day. He said it would be: "train in the morning, pick up my children from school, play with them, have tea, put them to bed and then watch a bit of TV."

Career Statistics

Club Appearances and Goals

International Appearances and Goals

England score listed first, score column indicates score after each Scholes goal

List of international goals scored by Paul Scholes

No.	Date	Venue	Cap	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition	Ref.
1	4 June 1997	Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes, France	2	Italy	2–0	2–0	1997 Tournoi de France
2	10 September 1997	Wembley Stadium, London, England	4	Moldova	1–0	4–0	1998 FIFA World Cup qualification
3	15 November 1997	Wembley Stadium, London, England	5	Cameroon	1–0	2–0	Friendly
4	15 June 1998	Stade Vélodrome, Marseille, France	8	Tunisia	2–0	2–0	1998 FIFA World Cup
5	27 March 1999	Wembley Stadium, London, England	16	Poland	1–0	3–1	UEFA Euro 2000 qualifying
6					2–0
7					3–1
8	13 November 1999	Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland	19	Scotland	1–0	2–0	UEFA Euro 2000 qualifying
9					2–0
10	12 June 2000	Philips Stadion, Eindhoven, Netherlands	25	Portugal	1–0	2–3	UEFA Euro 2000
11	28 March 2001	Qemal Stafa Stadium, Tirana, Albania	33	Albania	2–0	3–1	2002 FIFA World Cup qualification
12	25 May 2001	Pride Park Stadium, Derby, England	34	Mexico	1–0	4–0	Friendly
13	6 June 2001	Olympic Stadium, Athens, Greece	35	Greece	1–0	2–0	2002 FIFA World Cup qualification
14	21 June 2004	Estádio da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal	65	Croatia	1–1	4–2	UEFA Euro 2004

Managerial Statistics

Honours and Awards

Manchester United

• Premier League: 1995–96, 1996–97, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2012–13
• FA Cup: 1995–96, 1998–99, 2003–04
• Football League Cup: 2008–09, 2009–10
• FA Charity Shield/FA Community Shield: 1996, 1997, 2003, 2008, 2010
• UEFA Champions League: 1998–99, 2007–08
• Intercontinental Cup: 1999
• FIFA Club World Cup: 2008

England U18

• UEFA European Under-18 Championship: 1993

Individual Awards

• Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year: 1992–93
• Manchester United Goal of the Season: 2006–07
• Premier League Player of the Month: January 2003, December 2003, October 2006, August 2010
• PFA Team of the Year: 2002–03 Premier League, 2006–07 Premier League
• Premier League 10 Seasons Awards Team of the Decade: 1992–93 to 2001–02
• English Football Hall of Fame: 2008
• Premier League 20 Seasons Awards Fantasy Team: 1992–93 to 2011–12
• Premier League Hall of Fame: 2022
• FWA Tribute Award: 2012

See also

In Spanish: Paul Scholes para niños

• List of footballers with 100 or more UEFA Champions League appearances
• List of one-club men in association football
• List of athletes who came out of retirement