Scholes set for 600

22 April 09 by Bill

Paul Scholes will step out for his 600th appearance in a Manchester United shirt tonight against Portsmouth making him only the fourth player in the club’s history to reach the milestone.

Scholes will join Bobby Charlton, Bill Foulkes and Ryan Giggs on the exclusive list of United legends who have reached the landmark which will guarantee his place in United folklore for eternity.

Sir Alex Ferguson said: “It’s fantastic that he is on the verge of 600 games. Considering he has had three or four long injuries in his career, it’s a great achievement.

“He has had two knee operations and his eye problem a couple of years ago, so he has probably missed over a year of football during his career. But for that, he would have been nearer 700 than 600.”

Scholes is closing in on retirement stating last summer he has at most two seasons left in him. With his career coming to an end, what other milestones could the midfield magician aim for?

Scholes has scored 142 goals in his time at United, putting him twelfth in the club’s record books. Bobby Charlton is top with 249 so first is out of the question. Another eight goals and Scholes would be one of only eight players to reach 150 for the club. Pretty impressive for a midfielder.

No one at United has ever scored 100 Premier League goals. Two players are currently closing in; Ryan Giggs with 97 and Paul Scholes with 98. With both of these players approaching retirement, I bet they’ve both got their eye on that record!