Ferguson hails Scholes after victory over Wigan

Sir Alex Ferguson saluted Paul Scholes after the veteran Manchester United midfielder marked his 700th appearance for the club with a goal in the 4-0 rout of Wigan at Old Trafford. With United struggling to break down Wigan’s stubborn defence after Javier Hernandez missed a first-half penalty on Saturday, it was fitting that Scholes broke the deadlock in the second half with a typically predatory effort. The 37-year-old pounced after Latics goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi could only push a Nani cross into his path and United went on to cruise to victory thanks to further goals from Hernandez, Alexander Buttner and Nick Powell. Scholes’ goal extended a remarkable record of scoring on landmark appearances for United and Ferguson was quick to pay tribute to the former England star, who came out of retirement in January. “That is what we always remember about Paul, the way he ghosts into the penalty box,” Ferguson said. “Obviously as he has got older, he has not been able to do that. He doesn’t need to do that now because we prefer him to play central midfield.”