![Paul Scholes is put through his paces during the warm-up at Eastlands on Sunday.](http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2012/0108/paulscholesmufcwarm-upvmcfc20120108_275x155.jpg)
The Red Devils have had trouble in their engine room with Tom Cleverley and Darren Fletcher sidelined, and manager Sir Alex Ferguson even resorted to playing Wayne Rooney in midfield at one point during the season.
The veteran midfielder now returns to the squad, and he went straight to the bench in the blockbuster FA Cup clash against Manchester City on Sunday. He came on at the hour mark as the Red Devils came out on top in a 3-2 decision.
Newspaper reports over the past couple of days had suggested Scholes could be about to rejoin the club where he won 10 Premier League titles, three FA Cups, two League Cups and two Champions Leagues. However, Scholes' inclusion in the team to face City on Sunday means he had already re-signed before the press speculation began.
"It's fantastic that Paul has made this decision,'' said United boss Sir Ferguson. "It's always sad to see great players end their careers, but especially so when they do it early.
"But he has kept himself in great shape and I always felt that he had another season in him. It's terrific to have him back.''
Scholes said: "I've been pretty clear since I stopped playing that I miss it. I'm delighted the manager feels I can still make a contribution to the team and I'm looking forward to playing my part in trying to bring more success to this great club.''
It is believed Scholes was pressed into reconsidering by a number of senior colleagues, who felt the midfielder could still be a major influence on United's quest for honours at a time when so many central midfielders are absent.
"He came to see me and said he wanted to come back, he was missing it too much,'' Ferguson told ITV. "There were no negatives as far as I'm concerned. The players were fantastic about it, the fans I'm sure will be happy and I'm happy.
"Everyone knows he's one of the greatest players in Manchester United's history. He's a fantastic footballer and there's no loss to his real fitness which is important. He's sometimes missed three or four months with injuries, so it's more more or less the same kind of scenario.''
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