Fergie's Scholes blunder

Sir Alex Ferguson says that he brought Paul Scholes back into action too soon.

Scholes has been criticised for a below-par start to the season, but the Manchester United manager is shouldering the blame for that.

Ferguson says that Scholes was flown out to join their American tour too soon, as he was not given enough time in pre-season.

"People have remarked that Paul Scholes has been a bit flat at the moment," said Ferguson.

"I think we brought him back too early from pre-season training.

"He had only three days' preparation and a bit of a groin injury, so what the fans have seen is not the real Paul Scholes.

"He'll be fine in a few more weeks."

Scholes was flown out to the USA after United's tour had come under fire for not fielding enough first-team stars.

Scholes then played in the Community Shield and Ferguson believes this is the reason for his subdued start, despite retiring from international football.