500 Not Out

The manner of that landmark 500th appearance for Manchester United said everything about Paul Scholes. The modest midfielder who shuns the limelight rushed through a pre-match presentation from Sir Bobby Charlton because he couldn’t wait to get started on what he does best and just 38 minutes after kick-off he celebrated in the best way possible - by scoring United’s opening goal as he quickly overcame his surprise at finding himself unmarked six yards out and ran in Ryan Giggs’ cross.

Rio Ferdinand made it two on 64 minutes, but the victory was much more emphatic than the score suggests. What counts is that it took United back to the top of the Premiership – and provided a perfect end to Paul Scholes’ special day.