• Premier League

Ferguson defends resting Scholes

ESPN staff
April 13, 2012
Paul Scholes has been a huge success since his return © Getty Images
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Sir Alex Ferguson has insisted he has no regrets about resting Paul Scholes, despite Manchester United losing their first Premier League match since January against Wigan in midweek.

United had surged eight points clear in the title race on the back of an unbeaten run that stretched back to a loss against Newcastle in early January.

Scholes has played a key part since coming out of retirement, but was pulled from the line of fire for the trip to Wigan. The move did not pay off as United were dominated by the Latics who claimed a 1-0 win, which allowed Manchester City to cut the gap to five points.

The decision to rest Scholes was questioned following the defeat, but Ferguson has stood by his decision.

"He has shown his influence since he has come back, no question," Ferguson said at a press conference ahead of Sunday's home game with Aston Villa.

"I think we did the right thing in resting him on Wednesday. It may not have looked that way to the fans, but after playing on Sunday and three days later playing at Wigan we did the right thing and he will play on Sunday as he will be fresh."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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