re: Manchester United 2014/15 Season Long Thread : Hitting the Reset Button

Barcelona midfielder Xavi says the only regret of his career is not having played alongside United legend Paul Scholes.

The 34-year-old this week called time on a glittering international career, which saw him win the World Cup and two European Championships.

But he has revealed that one of his ambitions will go unfulfilled, even though he is set to continue playing on for Barca.

The Terrassa-born playmaker says he always hoped to one day play in the same midfield as Scholes, even though he knew it was unlikely.

"When I think about all I have won with Spain and Barcelona and all they great players I have played with - it is impossible for me to have any regrets," he said.

"Maybe one small regret is that I never got to play with Paul Scholes - but I was never going to leave Barcelona and he was never going to leave Manchester United."

Manchester Evening News

Xavi has spoken highly of Scholes in the past, saying: "[i]n the last 15 to 20 years the best central midfielder that I have seen — the most complete — is Scholes. I have spoken with Xabi Alonso about this many times. Scholes is a spectacular player who has everything. He can play the final pass, he can score, he is strong, he never gets knocked off the ball and he doesn’t give possession away. If he had been Spanish then maybe he would have been valued more."

Add this new quote to the already outstanding list of quotes from footballing legends who are on record as recognizing the genius of the Ginger Prince

Quotes About Paul Scholes

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If he could only tackle.

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I thought this was amazing.

Live tweeting of the 99 champion's league final.

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All aboard the Ha-mez Wilson Pain Train

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Wouldn't be surprised to see him go out on loan before the window closes. Prob too good for the Reserves.

Came here to post that.

Pretty awesome.

his first goal

per the daily mail so this isn't 100% these are the guys being shown the door.

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Marouane Fellaini


The Belgian was United's sole signing last summer, and his mediocre performances in the middle of the park became synonymous with David Moyes' dismal reign.

How much: United expect to take a hit on the £27.5million they paid and want £20million but will do well to get £15million.

Who's interested: Napoli but not at the asking price. A subsidised loan suits them but they are already weighing up alternatives.

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Javier Hernandez


'Chicharito' has an impressive goals to games ratio in a United shirt, but his detractors suggest he needs more to his game. He's well behind the likes of Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie in the pecking order and will find more opportunities elsewhere.

How much: £12million would be the Mexican's price ideal but United expect closer to £10million.

Who's interested: Juventus and Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Tottenham and Southampton are just some of the clubs to have expressed an interest.

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Anderson


The Portuguese has failed to live up to his reputation, with a torrid spell at Old Trafford rife with injury. With no pre-season form behind him, by now he is well down the list of Louis van Gaal's midfielders.

How much: United are struggling to find takers even at a knockdown £5million.

Who's interested: Clubs in Portugal and Brazil have shown interest but little else. His displays on loan at Fiorentina did little to impress. Anderson may be difficult to shift.

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Nani


The mercurial winger has had a career of ups and downs at Old Trafford, but it may finally be time to move on. His frustratingly inconsistent displays, along with a incompatibility with Van Gaal's wing-backs system means his United number is up.

How much: A new five year deal raised his value last season but price will be around £12million to £15million.

Who's interested: Juventus, Inter Milan, Valencia and Arsenal still rate the Portuguese winger despite his inconsistency.

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Shinji Kagawa


Sir Alex Ferguson bought the hotly-tipped Japanese playmaker in from Borussia Dortmund to revolutionise the Red Devils' attacking threat. Although he has impressed in spells, injuries and the arrival of Juan Mata means Kagawa may have to look elsewhere for regular action.

How much: United will look to get around £8million to £10million for the Japanese playmaker.

Who's interested: Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp loves Kagawa. Atletico Madrid are interested too in a player who has looked resigned to leaving. Plenty interested in a loan.

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Wilfried Zaha


The winger was tipped as an England World Cup star on his arrival from Crystal Palace, but has failed to live up to the hype. Farmed out on loan to Cardiff last season and another who doesn't benefit from a wing-backs formation, his move to United may have been one gamble too far.

How much: United would do well to raise £10million and may prefer to send him out on loan and see if his value rises again.

Who's interested: West Ham, QPR, Crystal Palace and Newcastle would all take a chance on a player who has yet to show his potential.

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And according to the Daily mail these are the ones given the axe...I'm shocked Rafael was axed if true...again who do you believe?
LINK

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what a shite publication

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Same publication that has us linked to a new player every other day that never materializes.

In other news, it looks like Michael Keane is close to a loan move to Cardiff City. I wish he would have gone to a lower level prem side if he were gonna go out on loan again. But there is that connection with Solskjaer at Cardiff.

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what a shite publication

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is that the equivalent of the national enquirer??
It amazes me how many different reports you get from different publications. I don't believe anything until I see the player holding up a jersey