Paul Scholes Puts Roy Keane to the Test: Who Comes Out on Top?
Paul Scholes is arguably one of the greatest midfielders to ever don the Manchester United shirt. And, as he gets ready to take on Celtic legends on September 7, he’s been reminiscing about his time at Old Trafford. In a recent session with the United Foundation, Scholes took part in a "winner stays on" challenge, where he had to pick the best midfielders to have played for the Red Devils.
Fletcher Beats Anderson
First up, Scholes was pitted against a battle of wits between Darren Fletcher and Anderson. And, predictably, the former got the nod from the 49-year-old midfielder. Fletcher’s consistency and defensive prowess made him a staple in United’s midfield, and Scholes likely recognized his value.
Butt Beats the Rest (Well, Almost)
Next up, Scholes was asked to choose between Nicky Butt, Nobby Stiles, himself, Michael Carrick, and Bastian Schweinsteiger. And, as you might expect, he went with the man who was part of his midfield triumvirate in the mid-90s. However, when he faced off against current wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo, Scholes surprised many by choosing the youngster.
Keane’s Tough Decisions
Scholes was also asked to pit his wits against his long-time colleague, Roy Keane. Keane took down Mainoo and then both Paul Ince and Juan Sebastian Veron, but finally fell to Bryan Robson – a legendary United skipper. After a few seconds of hesitation, Scholes went with his childhood hero.
Mainoo’s Praise from Scholes
It’s no secret that Scholes has been impressed by Mainoo’s talent. Back in July, he took to Instagram to lavish praise on the young midfielder. He wrote: "Read a few comparisons between me and this kid last week… don’t waste your time, he is 10 times the player I was at 18. Just love the way he receives the ball, the calmness, the awareness of what’s around him and of course big goals in big games. The boy is special… and he’s a f***ing Red… laters."
So, Who’s the Best?
Scholes’ choices make for an interesting debate. While many would argue that Keane was the better player, Scholes’ recognition of Mainoo’s talent highlights the importance of adaptability in the modern game. And, let’s be real – Scholes was an exceptional midfielder in his own right.
Join the Conversation
What do you think about Scholes’ choices? Who would you pick as the best midfielder to have played for Manchester United? Let us know in the comments below!
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