United midfielder Paul Scholes has played his part in two successful Champions league campaigns with the Reds, and the 36-year-old…

United midfielder Paul Scholes has played his part in two successful Champions league campaigns with the Reds, and the 36-year-old is relishing next week's resumption of this season’s competition.

Midway through February Sir Alex’s Premier League leaders are still fighting on three fronts, with an FA Cup tie with Crawley Town on Saturday then a European clash in Marseille on Wednesday. It kicks-off a busy run of fixtures for the Reds, but Scholesy wouldn’t have it any other way. 

"This is when the Champions League really starts, with the knockout phase," said the veteran midfielder, anticipating the game against Olympique de Marseille in Stade Velodrome. "Hopefully this is the start of a good end to the season for us, and we can go all the way to the Champions League final and win it."

As United's second most experienced European campaigner, Scholes (who has 125 European appearances to Ryan Giggs' 135) can recall when the Reds last visited l'OM more than 11 years ago.

"Marseille's a tough place. We’ve played there before quite a few years ago and lost [19 October 1999, 0-1]. But while we know it won't be easy, we're looking forward to it."

With 12 league games remaining and up to four knock-out ties to be negotiated in both the Champions League and the FA Cup, Scholes and his teammates know there's little margin for error from hereon in.

"We're getting down to the latter stages now, so the results become even more important. It’s time to really stand up and start playing now."

Scholesy eyeing a busy season finale

16TH FEB 2011

Share

LATEST NEWS

ARCHIVE