Paul Scholes: Manchester United midfielder's career in pictures - BBC Sport

Paul Scholes: Manchester United midfielder's career in pictures

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Paul Scholes scores against Ipswich in 1994
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Paul Scholes made his Manchester United debut on 21 September 1994, scoring both goals in a 2–1 victory over Port Vale in the League Cup. He made his league debut three days later in a 3-2 defeat at Ipswich Town, getting on the scoresheet again

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He netted his first Old Trafford goal on 3 January 1995, in United's 2-0 win over Coventry City

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Scholes did not make the starting line-up for United's 1995 FA Cup final defeat by Everton, appearing as a substitute as the holders lost 1–0. He came close to scoring twice late in the game, only to be foiled by Neville Southall both times

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After the previous season's disappointment, Scholes helped Manchester United beat Liverpool 1-0 at Wembley to win the 1996 FA Cup. United also clinched the Premier League title to become the first English team to win the double twice

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Scholes was on target again as United drew 1-1 in the 1996-97 FA Cup fourth round - but the Dons caused an upset when they defeated the league champions 1-0 in a replay at Selhurst Park. But Scholes still ended the season with his second Premier League winners' medal

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During the 1997–98 Scholes moved to central midfield, making 42 appearances and scoring 10 goals. However, United finished the season without a major trophy - only the second time in the 1990s this happened

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Scholes, never short of critics of his tackling, came on as a substitute in United's 1998-99 Champions League semi-final second leg as an epic 3-2 win against Juventus took the Red Devils to their first final in the competition for more than 30 years - but a yellow card for his challenge on Didier Deschamps ruled Scholes out of the final against Bayern Munich in Barcelona

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Scholes's misery at knowing he would miss a famous European night was eased as he helped his side clinch the Premier League title and also scored United's second goal in a 2-0 win over Newcastle at Wembley in the FA Cup final

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And although Scholes did not participate in the Treble-clinching Champions League final victory against Bayern Munich, he was at the Nou Camp to celebrate the most successful season in the history of Manchester United with his team-mates

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As the millennium ended, Scholes continued to shine and picked up his fourth and fifth Premier League medals in the 1999-2000 and 2000-01 seasons. Asked to play as a second striker, a dip in form followed, but during the 2002-03 season Scholes netted a career-high 20 goals in all competitions and helped his side win the title again

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After 66 appearances and 14 goals for England - this the last of them against Croatia at Euro 2004 - Scholes retired from international duty to concentrate on his club career

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Scholes helped FA Cup holders United to the final again in 2005 but saw his penalty saved by Jens Lehmann as they lost to Arsenal in a penalty shootout

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Scholes marked his 500th game for Manchester United with a goal against Liverpool on 22 October 2006, but he was ruled out for the second half of the season with blurred vision

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He made his comeback before the end of the season and celebrated with his children as United claimed their 16th title

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United's goalless draw away to Barcelona in the 2007-08 Champions League semi-final first leg saw Scholes make his 100th appearance in the competition. In his 101st, he scored the only goal in a 1–0 second-leg victory that sent United into the final in Moscow

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Having missed out in 1999, Scholes was in the line-up for the 2008 Champions League final against Chelsea - though he suffered an injury, picked up a yellow card and was substituted in the 87th minute with the game set for extra time. But United won after a dramatic penalty shoot-out, and Scholes also picked up his eighth Premier League medal in the same season

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On 22 April 2009, he made his 600th appearance for United in a 2–0 win over Portsmouth. Scholes also collected his ninth Premier League title at the end of the 2008-09 season and a first League Cup winners' medal after United beat Tottenham in the final on penalties

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On 6 March 2010, Scholes scored his 100th Manchester United goal against Wolves at Molineux. He also won the League Cup for the second time after United beat Aston Villa 2-1 at Wembley

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Scholes started the 2010-11 season in good form and scored his 150th goal for United in a 2–2 draw at Fulham on 22 August. However, in April he was sent off for a high challenge on Pablo Zabaleta in the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City

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After winning his 10th Premier League title, Scholes announced his retirement on 31 May 2011. On 5 August 2011, United held a testimonial match against New York Cosmos to honour his 17 years of service to the club

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Manchester United favourite Eric Cantona and Brazilian legend Pele attended to pay tribute to Scholes

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They say you're a long time retired, but Scholes bucked the trend. On 8 January 2012, he reversed his decision and made his return as a substitute in United's 3–2 win over neighbours Manchester City in the FA Cup

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Scholes marked his 700th appearance for Manchester United by scoring in a 4–0 win at home to Wigan Athletic on 15 September 2012 - meaning he had scored in his 19th consecutive Premier League season

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After winning his 11th Premier League title, Scholes announced his permanent retirement from football on 11 May 2013. He made 716 appearances scoring 155 goals, won 11 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, three FA Cups, two League Cups, five FA Community Shields, one Intercontinental title and one Fifa Club World Cup in his 19 seasons at Old Trafford

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Scholes made his Old Trafford farewell in a 2-1 win over Swansea in the Premier League on 12 May, 2013 - giving way to substitute Anderson after 65 minutes, to a rousing send-off from the home supporters