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Scholes return boosts United
01/02/2008 07:58 - (SA)
London - Michael Carrick admits Paul Scholes's return to the Manchester United midfield is a major boost to Sir Alex Ferguson's side as he prepares for the game against Tottenham.
Scholes, 33, has spent the last three months on the sidelines with a knee problem but returned to Ferguson's starting line-up in the 2-0 win over Portsmouth in midweek.
The veteran midfielder made his first appearance since the injury in the 3-1 FA Cup victory against Spurs at Old Trafford last Sunday.
Carrick was already doing battle with Owen Hargreaves, Anderson and Darren Fletcher for a spot in central midfield.
And while he acknowledges that Scholes's return is likely to have an impact on the amount of action he sees, he believes the competition for places in the United engine-room can inspire them to even better performances.
He also insists Ferguson's handling of the midfield area will also keep his players fresh going into the end of the season.
United are currently above Arsenal on goal difference at the top of the Premiership and the England international said: "It's great to have Scholesy back. We have been getting good results without him in the team, so to have him back now is a boost to everyone.
"He's a top, top player. You saw against Portsmouth what he can do, and he seemed to fit in like he has never been away. It's great to see him back.
"Every one of the midfielders is playing really well but we all know that we're not going to play in every single game.
"But it's not a case of getting dropped, it's about resting players and keep everyone in top shape and in good form.
"That's certainly the case at the moment. Hopefully we can all stay sharp for the run-in, that will only help us."
For the new Tottenham signing Alan Hutton, who joined Spurs in a nine million deal earlier this week and was previously linked with United, Saturday's clash is likely to offer his first opportunity to show what he can do in the Premiership.
And he insists he is already loving life at White Hart Lane after taking several weeks to be persuaded to move south from Scotland.
The right-back said: "What influenced my decision was a lot to do with coming down and meeting the head coach (Juande Ramos) and hearing his plans for the club. That helped me make up my mind.
"Leaving Rangers was a decision I had to take time to think about and it was hard for me having grown up supporting the club as well as playing for them for many years. It was a hard decision but I think it's the right one overall.
"The Premiership is one of the best in the world and everybody knows that, so I think you have to take the step down here to show people what you've got. I think I've got good attributes in terms of getting forward and hopefully I can add them to the team."
- AFP
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