Paul Scholes Reveals the Moment He Knew It Was Time to Retire – And Why He Regretted His Comeback
Widely regarded as one of the most technically gifted and intelligent midfielders to ever grace the game, Paul Scholes cemented his legacy at Manchester United with a glittering career filled with silverware. The “Ginger Prince” was a key figure in Sir Alex Ferguson’s dominant Red Devils era, winning an astonishing 11 Premier League titles among a host of other honors. However, despite his incredible success, Scholes has candidly admitted there was a moment when he knew his playing days were truly over— and he even regretted extending his career by one more season.
A Legendary Career at Manchester United
Scholes’ journey at United began when he emerged from the club’s famous academy, part of the revered “Class of ’92” alongside Gary Neville, David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, and Nicky Butt. Over his career, he made a remarkable 716 appearances for his boyhood club, scoring 155 goals and registering 83 assists. His influence in midfield was immeasurable— he dictated play, controlled the tempo, and was renowned for his pinpoint passing, vision, and thunderous strikes from distance.
By the summer of 2011, after winning virtually everything there was to win at club level, Scholes decided to call time on his career. The 66-cap England international, having already amassed 11 league titles, three FA Cups, two Champions League crowns, two League Cups, and five Community Shields, felt it was the right moment to bow out on top. He retired with his legacy intact and immediately turned his focus towards coaching, assisting Manchester United’s reserve team while working on his coaching badges.
A Short-Lived Retirement and a Sudden Comeback
However, his retirement didn’t last long. Just six months after hanging up his boots, Manchester United faced a crisis in midfield. An injury-plagued squad forced Ferguson into desperate measures, with defenders Phil Jones and Fabio being deployed as emergency midfielders. With limited options available, Ferguson needed experience and composure in midfield— and there was no one better than Scholes.
At the age of 37, Scholes made the shock decision to return, answering his former manager’s call for help. Initially, the comeback was seen as a masterstroke. He played a vital role in stabilizing United’s midfield, contributing to their push for another Premier League title. However, the campaign ended in heartbreak, as Manchester City dramatically clinched the title on the final day, courtesy of Sergio Agüero’s iconic last-minute goal against Queens Park Rangers.
Despite his solid performances, Scholes now admits he should have stayed retired.
The Moment Scholes Knew It Was Over
While his comeback initially seemed successful, Scholes recalled the exact moment he realized he had made a mistake by returning for one final season. It came in a home fixture against Tottenham Hotspur early in the 2012/13 season— a match that saw United struggle against a dynamic Spurs side featuring two of the most electrifying players in the Premier League at the time: Mousa Dembélé and Gareth Bale.
“I remember a game against Tottenham
