A local talent, born in Salford, Scholes soon made it into the England under-21 squad after breaking into the United side.

He is tipped as the most talented of Fergie's Fledglings and hit 16 goals in his first 21 games for United including a winner in the game all United fans look forward to, the derby against City.

Says United boss Alex Ferguson: "Paul Scholes has got an old head on young shoulders. That's probably his greatest asset and he is now a consistent goalscorer for us."

Weighed in with 15 goals in the 1995-96 season, and those goals helped United win the both the Premiership and the FA Cup.

Mancunians refer to him as 'The Ginger Prince' and he is a great favourite at Old Trafford.

Paul started the 96/97 season as a substitute, Alex Ferguson preffering to use the new talents of Poborsky and Cruyff ahead of him.

Always a battler, Scholes never complained, and won back his place in the team after some excellent performances from the substitutes bench.

Glenn Hoddle elevated him to the full national squad in May 1997, and Scholes came on as a substitute in the international at Old Trafford against South Africa.

After helping United to another Championship win, Scholes was chosen in the England squad for Le Tournoi in France, He made his full international debut against Italy, and formed a great understanding with Ian Wright, firstly setting the Arsenal striker up for England's first goal, and then getting on the end of Wright's pass for England's second.

Scholes' fans were disappointed when Alex Ferguson signed Teddy Sheringham to replace Eric Cantona, they felt Scholes was more than capable of filling the great man's shoes. However, Scholes is now an integral part of United's team, and he will figure in Glenn Hoddle's plans for England.