When he turns 70, Paul Scholes will still be able to spot and execute a 50-yard pass to a teammate’s feet.
He was never blessed with pace and Scholes’ gas tank might not be what it once was but he’s proven yet again that his ability to deliver top quality ball simply won’t diminish.
For two decades, Scholes showed off an almost superhuman ability to put the perfect pace, direction and height on balls from deep and, time after time, the pass would land directly at the feet of its intended target.
Being able to move the ball so quickly and accurately meant he never really had to sprint around the pitch to set up opportunities. He could do it with one swish of his wand.
Scholes dusted that selfsame wand off to take part in Michael Carrick’s testimonial game on Sunday afternoon.
Old Trafford hosted the latest passing exhibition from the United fan favourite, who rolled back the years with this sumptuous delivery to Wayne Rooney in the first half.
Paul Scholes. Still leaving people speechless. https://t.co/SDtAY6Lxp5
— Manchester United ⭕ (@RedUnitedFC) June 4, 2017
The 42-year-old got his head up, spotted a Rooney run and presented it on a platter for the forward who, unfortunately, put too much on his attempted dink over the top.
But supporters remained in awe of Scholes’ ability and reckoned that he could still do a job alongside Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera in Jose Mourinho’s current side.
Pretty sure Scholes could still play for us…
— Stretford Paddock (@StretfordPaddck) June 4, 2017
Let's not mess around. Scholes would still get in United's starting XI today. Legend. #signhimup #CarrickTestimonial
— Ben Wainwright (@NotSoNormalBen) June 4, 2017
Scholes could still do a job for Man Utd… vision is ridiculous 😏
— Ian McLoughlin (@_16ian) June 4, 2017
Scholes could still tear it in the prem now!
— Mike Churchman (@MikeChurchman_) June 4, 2017
Paul scholes has still got in maann! ❤❤
— Qatar IN 🇶🇦 (@AntiGlazerFC_) June 4, 2017
Incredible how Scholes still has these pinpoint passes and does them to perfection. Bare in mind he doesn't even practice them anymore
— Stephen (@ShadeMUFC) June 4, 2017
https://twitter.com/dowaaljefairi/status/871373408659005441
I'd still take Paul Scholes at 42 in my team than Fellaini any day of the week
— djpyb (@djpyb) June 4, 2017
I'd still have Scholes in my first team
— Ross Archibald (@DarthNameless) June 4, 2017
Scholes still better than half the midfielders in the league #CarrickTestimonial
— Steve Shurey (@ShureySteve) June 4, 2017
We should resign Paul Scholes 😂 still class
— PLATTY (@christian_platt) June 4, 2017
https://twitter.com/marklm12/status/871372057518505984