Scholes looks for inspiration

United midfielder sees similarities with Barca tie last season

By Richard Bailey   Last updated: 9th March 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Scholes looks for inspiration

Scholes: Inspiration

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes is using last season's two-legged semi-final against Barcelona as inspiration for when they face Inter Milan on Wednesday.

As was the case in the San Siro two weeks ago, United went to Catalonia and drew 0-0 before finishing the job at Old Trafford to advance to the final in Moscow.

The Inter clash is only the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League but the aim remains the same as the 34-year-old readies himself for another European night at Old Trafford.

United have also been dumped out of Europe on two occasions in recent years after stalemates away from home in the first leg with Real Madrid and Monaco inflicting the damage, but Scholes remains positive.

"It probably was the perfect way to play a home leg after a goalless draw," he said.

"We did well to get the draw in the first place because Barcelona is such a tough place to go.

Ideal

"Then we defended really well and got the goal at home, which in a European tie was ideal. We will take that again on Wednesday."

The former England international even managed to get the only goal of the game against the Spaniards as his screamer from outside the area arrowed into the top corner.

The fact that Scholes was kept on the bench in the 4-0 win over Fulham in the FA Cup at the weekend could mean that the veteran is in line to start in midweek.

This time around, however, the Salford-born ace is not bothered who gets on the scoresheet, as long as someone does.

"Now and again I still score these big goals," he added.

"It would be good but whoever scores does not really matter as long as we get through. Any win against a tough team like Inter would be great for us.

"We had a great night in Moscow and we want to experience that feeling again. But last year is gone now.

"It was great when it happened. But this is a new year and we want to win it again."