Fergie pays tribute to Scholes

Sir Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to Manchester United's match winner Paul Scholes after reaching the Champions League final.

Scholes scored the only goal as United beat Barcelona 1-0 at Old Trafford to reach the final for the third time in the club's history.

It was only the second time Scholes had scored this season, but he struck with a spectacular long-range effort.

Scholes was suspended when United beat Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League final, but it seems he will get the chance to make amends in Moscow next month.

Ferguson said: "It is great for Paul to be in the final. It was a fantastic goal.

"I don't think you can expect him to score 10 or 15 goals a season like he used to but when he gets one like that it makes up for the ones he can't score. It is a marvellous moment for him."

Ferguson also believes the euphoria around the team can help United in their final two Premier League games.

United will defend their Premier League title if they win their remaining fixtures against West Ham and Wigan.

Ferguson dismissed any suggestions that his players might be tired for Satuday's game against West Ham.

He said: "It is a big boost for Saturday. It won't do us any harm that's for sure. The energy in the team was excellent. The question is how do we get that back into them."

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