Manchester United icon Paul Scholes didn’t need to think twice when asked to name the greatest teammate from his long and illustrious career. The legendary midfielder spent his entire club career with United, where he was part of the famed “Class of 92,” a group of homegrown talents who rose through the club’s ranks and made a significant impact without ever being sent out on loan. Alongside his exceptional teammates, Scholes contributed to United’s domination of English football, winning an astonishing 24 trophies under Sir Alex Ferguson during his first spell at the club before his retirement in 2011.
Throughout his time at Manchester United, Scholes had the privilege of playing alongside many of the game’s most celebrated names—players like Eric Cantona, David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, and Denis Irwin, to name a few. These were players who defined an era and helped cement United’s legacy. Despite the abundance of world-class talent, there was only one player Scholes regarded as his greatest ever teammate. When asked during a 2020 MUTV interview, Scholes responded without hesitation: “Ryan Giggs. Easy one.”
Scholes elaborated on his choice, explaining that while he played alongside several greats, including Teddy Sheringham and Dwight Yorke, his link-up play with Giggs was something special. “As a midfielder, I always felt wide players and number 10s were the ones that won you games,” Scholes said. “The players I liked to link with were always important, and I had a great understanding with players like Teddy and Yorkie. But when I played with Giggs, especially when I filled in as a number 10 or on the left side when he was injured, there was this connection. We just knew what each other wanted.
Scholes’ admiration for Giggs is well-founded. Like Scholes, Giggs was also a part of the “Class of 92” and went on to become a United legend in his own right. Holding a remarkable series of records, Giggs is the all-time leader in Premier League assists with 162 and made 963 appearances for Manchester United, more than any other player in the club’s history. His contribution to United’s success is undeniable, and his longevity in the game—playing until the age of 40—was a testament to his professionalism and talent. Giggs retired in 2014, bringing an end to a 24-year playing career that spanned multiple eras of the Premier League.
Paul Scholes Reveals His Easy Manchester United
In choosing Giggs as his greatest teammate, Scholes highlighted the qualities that made the Welshman an exceptional player—his ability to form a perfect understanding with those around him and his contribution to winning games. As Scholes himself put it, “That’s what makes a good team.
Manchester United icon Paul Scholes didn’t need to think twice when asked to name the greatest teammate from his long and illustrious career at Old Trafford. The legendary midfielder, renowned for his vision, passing ability, and tactical intelligence, spent his entire club career with Manchester United. During this time, he became an integral part of the club’s success, especially as a member of the famed “Class of 92.” This group of homegrown talents, which included players like David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville, and Nicky Butt, rose through the club’s youth ranks and made significant impacts on the first team without ever being sent out on loan—an uncommon feat in modern football. Scholes played a central role in United’s dominance of English football, amassing an incredible 24 trophies during his first spell at the club under the legendary leadership of Sir Alex Ferguson, before retiring in 2011. His ability to adapt and consistently perform at the highest level earned him recognition as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation.
Throughout his time at Manchester United, Scholes had the privilege of playing alongside many of the game’s most celebrated names. He shared the pitch with iconic footballers such as Eric Cantona, who revolutionized United’s attacking play in the 1990s, and David Beckham, renowned for his pinpoint crossing and set-piece mastery. Scholes also played alongside modern greats like Wayne Rooney, who would go on to become United’s all-time leading goal scorer, and Denis Irwin, whose reliability and versatility made him one of the most respected defenders of his era.
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