Manchester United have made the shock announcement that Paul Scholes has come out of retirement to sign until the end of the season.
Scholes, 37, retired from football at the end of last season and had been operating as a coach at Carrington. However, he has reversed his decision and was named on the bench for the club's FA Cup third-round tie against Manchester City on Sunday.
United say Scholes approached Sir Alex Ferguson to request a return to playing and his decision to do so comes at a timely juncture with injuries severely limiting the options available to the Manchester United manager in midfield.
A lack of creativity has been particularly apparent, but with Scholes now set to reprise his role in the centre of the park it appears United have found a short-term fix to address the absence due to injury of the young player named as his heir, Tom Cleverley.
Ferguson told the club's official website: "It's fantastic that Paul has made this decision. It's always sad to see great players end their careers, but especially so when they do it early.
"But he has kept himself in great shape and I always felt that he had another season in him. It's terrific to have him back."
Prior to retirement in May, Scholes made 676 appearances for his only club side, winning nine league titles, the Champions League and three FA Cups in the process.
He now rejoins the club with the aim of winning a tenth league title, with United currently three points shy of leaders and rivals Manchester City.
Scholes said: "I've been pretty clear since I stopped playing that I miss it. I'm delighted the manager feels I can still make a contribution to the team and I'm looking forward to playing my part in trying to bring more success to this great club."
News of Scholes's return comes just days after Arsenal convinced their all-time record goalscorer Thierry Henry to join the club on loan from New York Red Bulls.
