Part of the famous FA Youth Cup winners of 1992, he made his League debut against Ipswich Town on September 24, 1994, scoring twice in a 3-2 defeat.

Became a regular player during the 1994/95 term as Alex Ferguson blooded his 'fledgelings' as United made a failed bid for the Double.

Started the 1995/96 season as a forward, in the absence of Eric Cantona, and his performances won the terrace title of 'Ginger Prince' to the Frenchman's 'King'. Since then he has been converted into a central midfielder with licence to get in behind opposing defenders and has formed an admirable partnership with Roy Keane.

'He scores goals galore' is his terrace theme tune and indeed his goals have often come in important matches, a reflection of his calm and ice-cool demeanour.

He scored the Reds' equaliser as United secured a place in the Champions League semi-finals after a draw with Inter Milan in the San Siro Stadium.

The shy man of the Red Devils has had no problem stepping up to international level. He scored on his England debut against Italy in 1997 and then scored a goal against Tunisia during France 98.

Was an integral part of the Treble win, scoring the Reds' second goal in the FA Cup Final against Newcastle United.

Kevin Keegan could never hide his admiration for Scholes and the diminutive Mancunian became the first player since Ian Wright to score three goals for England in one match with his hat-trick against Poland, in Keegan's first game, and he also scored a brace against Scotland to secure England's place in Euro 2000.

However he also made a mark in England's history books when he became England's 7th player to receive a red card when he was sent-off for a second bookable offence against Sweden in June 1999.

Was one of the few England players to impress during Euro 2000 and scored a great goal against Portugal.

The 2000/01 season was perhaps his most consistent at United and he was voted Player of the Year by his United colleagues.

Fought through a bout of gastro-enteritis to initiate Spain's destruction in Sven Goran Eriksson's first game as manager in February 2001.

Continued to impress the England boss when he setup David Beckham's winning goal against Finland in March. He went one better against Albania when he scored himself - a blistering strike and England's second goal in a 3-1 victory.

The arrival of Juan Sebastian Veron saw him take on a support striker role which was not a success and his form noticeably dropped in the early part of the 2001/02 season.

He even had a well-publicised spat with Sir Alex Ferguson over playing in a Worthington Cup game at Arsenal where he refused to board the coach to London. The wound was healed but a recovery in form later on in the season was not enough to stop United winning nothing that season.

His form for England also hit the skids in the lead up to the 2002 World Cup but he played his part in England's historic victory over Argentina and nearly scored trademark thunderbolts against both that sdie and also Nigeria.