Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits Paul Scholes has had a massive influence on their title surge since ending his retirement. United have taken 34 points from a possible 36 since losing at Newcastle in January, the moment Scholes came out of retirement.

"That was a typical Paul Scholes goal," said Ferguson.

"He has scored three since he came back into the fold and we have only dropped two points.

"You see the control of the game he has and the way he controlled the tempo of the game. That has never changed. At 37, he is still capable of that.

"He is a great player and integral to what has happened over the past few weeks."