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16th Nov 2015

VIDEO: The top 5 goals scored by birthday boy Paul Scholes

He could sure hit 'em

Colm Boohig

There’s some absolute corkers here.

Paul Scholes was, for a large part of his career, one of those rare footballers who received a lot of admiration for his ability by rival fans.

He was the silent man, who was probably the most technically gifted English player of his generation, couldn’t tackle for toffee and a midfielder who was responsible for some of the greatest thunderbast*rds in football history.

To celebrate his 41st birthday, we’ve given ourselves the very tough task of picking his five best goals, in rank order.

This will be extremely difficult to choose just five, but sure we’ll give it a go.

5. vs. Manchester City, April 2010

Far from the best technical goal on this very exclusive list, Scholes’ last minute header against bitter cross city rivals Manchester City will go down in folklore.

Chelsea ended up winning the league this season, but Scholes’ header in mid-April but Manchester United right back into the mix, while condemning City to another year without the Premier League title.

Clip via THEKINGOFOLDTRAFFORD

4. vs. Middlesbrough, April 2000

The 1999/00 Premier League season was a bit of a non-event in the race for the title, with Manchester United easily retaining their crown.

This goal scored by Scholes at the Riverside against Middlesbrough was definitely one of the high points.

We think that this can be fairly described as, ‘f*ck me’.

Clip via RetroGoalsHD

3. vs. Aston Villa, December 2006

This is many people’s favourite Paul Scholes goal and it’s easy to see why.

The skill involved to control the ball from that height and still achieve the perfect balance between power and placement is breathtaking.

Bonus points for the in-off-the-bar action, too.

Clip via EveryFourthYear

2. vs. Bradford, March 2000

In this writer’s opinion, this goal is the best technical strike on the list and just comes up short in the race for the much coveted number one spot.

From Beckham’s cross to Scholes’ volley; it’s just two touches of the ball, but what a couple of touches they are.

Spectacular stuff.

https://youtu.be/L6BZbvTqMvw

Clip via rynov89

1. vs. Barcelona, May 2008

The importance of this amazing effort at Old Trafford (the only OT goal to make the cut) cannot be overestimated.

This was the Champions League semi-final, second leg, the tie was finely poised at 0-0, both matches had been incredibly tense up until this point and then this happened.

Clip via Ben Bassaa

Scholes’ goal ended up being the difference-maker, as United went on to win their first Champions League in nine years by beating Chelsea on penalties in Moscow.

Well, that was tough. No doubt a few gems have been left out, so be sure to get in touch and add your favourite by emailing [email protected] or hitting us up on Facebook or Twitter.