Scholes 'deserves final chance'

Paul Scholes will finally get to play on European club football’s biggest stage, and Ryan Giggs feels no player is more deserving.

Scholes, of course, was suspended for 1999’s Champions League final against Bayern Munich. But Sir Alex, who never normally succumbs to sentimentality, has said that he would make an exception. Scholes, however, should be in United’s starting line-up against Chelsea in the Luzhniki Stadium based purely on merit.

“I’m not telling the manager who to pick," says Giggs, "but Scholesy deserves to play because he’s a great player. His form has been brilliant and his goal against Barcelona got us to the final.

“To play with a player like him is a privilege. He does things other players can’t do. The disappointment of 1999 was massive for him and Roy, having played such an important part getting us to the final. I'm glad he’s got another chance now.”

It will be a special occasion for Giggs, too, who will overtake Sir Bobby Charlton’s appearances record. Typically, the Welshman deflects the attention away from his individual feats. “It was special for me coming on and scoring against Wigan, equalling Sir Bobby’s record and lifting the league trophy,” he added. “It couldn’t have gone any better. I enjoyed it, but it’s not about individuals it’s about the team.

"Now we’re looking forward to what we hope will be another great night. We’re concentrating on the Champions League and what is a massive game for everyone. I’m looking forward to it and I know we’ll be ready for it.”