Aberdeen 0-2 Man Utd: Scholes the driving force for Man U

By RAY HEPBURN 13/07/2008

FABIO Capello needs to sweet-talk Paul Scholes back into the England squad – if sheer class means anything.

For even in this celebration of Aberdeen’s Cup Winners’ Cup triumph 25 years ago, Scholes was immense.

Sir Alex Ferguson brought his Champions League-winning side north to remember the Dons’ famous victory over Real Madrid in Gothenburg in 1983.

And no one on view – not Michael Carrick, Wayne Rooney or Ryan Giggs – was on the same planet as the outstanding Scholes.

The midfield player, looking in excellent shape following the summer break,  controlled the play while barely stepping foot outside the centre circle.

At times this friendly was played like a competitive match, with the capacity 25,500 crowd enjoying their first look at the Scottish Premier League team.

But, with Scotland’s Darren Fletcher looking sharp alongside Scholes in a creative midfield, defeat was never an option for United.

And, given that the home team went into the match two weeks ahead in terms of pre-season work, it represented a job well done.

Now, as United head for  Canada and the US, Fergie can feel happy that the early base work has been done.

A back four of Gary Neville, Wes Brown, Nemanja Vidic and Mikael Silvestre ensured that the Old Trafford side treated this match seriously.

That experienced back division always had matters in hand in front of 18-year-old keeper Ben Amos, who confirmed his potential.

United’s Euro 2008 stars, including Cristiano Ronaldo, will enjoy a further week off before linking up with their team-mates.

Even without them, there was nothing to suggest that Ferguson’s side are going to give up their glittering prizes readily.

Rooney was brought down by Aberdeen keeper Jamie Langfield for Carrick to stroke home a first-half penalty and the England striker headed in the second himself with 20 minutes left.

After an emotional return to Pittodrie, Ferguson admitted that losing assistant manager Carlos Queiroz to the Portugal national side will leave a void at Old Trafford.

“I knew as soon as Portugal came in for him, it would be difficult to keep him at the club,” conceded Fergie.

“It’s disappointing to lose him, but he has that streak of patriotism that is always difficult to resist.

“He is an excellent coach and we will miss him, but there will be no early appointment, we don’t do that.”

Fergie added: “It was an excellent game and it was an emotional day for me travelling back to the ground and seeing all these fine former players.”