Scholes sets his sights on title

PAUL SCHOLES breathed a sigh of relief after finally notching his 100th Premier League goal in Manchester United’s 1-0 win at Wolves – now he can look ahead to far more important honours.

Once a prolific scorer, Scholes found the net for the 98th time in league combat at Sunderland in April last year.

It has taken 11 months to get the extra two, having been on 99 since his effort in the four–goal demolition of West Ham last December.

His latest, a neat finish after he had shown patience and composure to nip past Jody Craddock before drilling his shot into the far corner, promises to be one of the most important this season for Manchester United as it gave them a narrow victory at Wolves and took them back to the top of the league.

After becoming the 18th player to reach a Premier League ton, he offered the briefest of reactions before setting his sights on more tangible rewards.

“It was nice,” he said. “I had a similar chance against West Ham a couple of weeks ago, but thankfully this time I managed to score.

“It has put us top of the league and hopefully we can stay there.”

Although United survived a couple of major scares, including one in stoppage time when Sam Vokes blazed over from six yards, it was the kind of result they have turned into an art form down the years.

United have an eye–catching European tie of their own though, against David Beckham’s AC Milan on Wednesday, with the Red Devils looking to defend their 3–2 first–leg lead and advance into the quarter–finals.


Sir Alex Ferguson has furiously rejected a Sunday newspaper report claiming he is supporting the Red Knights’ bid to take over Manchester United.

The Old Trafford boss was supposedly in support of any potential buyout of the Glazer family by the wealthy consortium, while there were suggestions he would be prepared to invest his own money in the club if the bid were to succeed.

However, Ferguson said: “It’s absolute rubbish. There’s not an ounce of truth in it.”

A United spokesman backed up Ferguson’s words, claiming: “The Glazer family and the manager enjoy 100 per cent trust in each other.”

The Red Knights, a group of leading City financiers, are looking to raise in excess of £1billion to seize control at Old Trafford.

United chief executive David Gill insisted the present owners had no wish to sell, despite the massive debts incurred in their controversial takeover.

And Ferguson insists he has no problem with the protests of fans wearing green and gold colours. He said: “As long as they are supporting Manchester United they can wear whatever they like.”