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Remembering Paul Scholes Perfect Assist For Wayne Rooney

Remembering Paul Scholes Perfect Assist For Wayne Rooney

Paul Scholes wonderful chipped pass made fools of a Milan side that included Alessandro Nesta and Gennaro Gattuso.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

Paul Scholes is best known for his masterful passing of the ball, and there may be few better examples than his assist for Wayne Rooney against AC Milan 14 years-ago.

For many, Scholes is in the discussion for the greatest midfielder in the Premier League era, along with some of his former England teammates.

The former Manchester United star won 11 league titles, three FA Cups and two Champions League medals in 718 games for the Old Trafford club.

His passing was second to none, with a range and accuracy unmatched in football. One of his best assists came against Milan in 2007.

The midfielder played an incredible lofted outside of the foot pass over the Italian defence, including Alessandro Nesta, and onto the chest of Rooney, who finished perfectly.

The game was choc full of legends, both from the time and those who would go on to have the title, and Cristiano Ronaldo put the hosts ahead after just six minutes.

Soon to be Ballon d'Or winner Kaka scored an equaliser on 22 minutes and then put the visitors ahead on 37 minutes, taking the lead into the break.

At half time Paolo Maldini was subbed off, before Scholes brilliant pass set up Rooney for United's equaliser just before the hour mark.

Rooney struck again in the 90th minute to give United a lead going into the second leg, but Milan ran out 3-0 winners in Italy eight days later, before going on to beat Liverpool in the final.

After beating United, Milan went on to win the Champions League in Athens. Image: PA Images
After beating United, Milan went on to win the Champions League in Athens. Image: PA Images

The latest United and Milan sides, with slightly fewer legends amongst their ranks, met last week in the Europa League quarter finals.

This time it was Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side who came out on top, thanks to Paul Pogba's performance as a substitute.

The Frenchman returned at half-time, having been out injured for nearly two months, to score the winning goal, after the first leg finished 1-1.

As good as his goal was, it didn't top Scholes' moment of perfection.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Paul Scholes, Football, Manchester United, Serie A, Premier League, AC Milan, Champions League, Wayne Rooney