Paul Scholes : the biography

Paul Scholes is arguably the best midfielder of his generation.

As a graduate of the legendary Class of '92, he has managed to win every major trophy British football has to offer.

A key component of the Manchester United youth team that unleashed David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs and the Neville brothers upon the unsuspecting Premier League, he helped revolutionise Ferguson's Reds and powered them to domestic and European dominance in the 1990s. The international stage also beckoned for Scholes, who scored 14 goals in 65 caps in his country.

However, devoted to his beloved Reds, the midfielder retired from the national side at just 29 to concentrate on events at Old Trafford. Scholes's career has been laced with regret, though, as suspension forced him to watch from the stands in 1999 as United enjoyed their most memorable European night for 40 years: victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League final.

But nine years on, Scholes banished his demons in the Moscow rain as he helped to secure Manchester United's third Champions League victory. Regarded by his peers as the consummate professional, Scholes has resisted the trappings of many modern footballers, despite his ferocious talent, and remains one of the game's most respected individuals.