First the ton, now the title! Scholes targets Premier League after milestone

08 March 2010 00:53
Paul Scholes breathed a sigh of relief after finally notching his 100th Premier League goal - and now he can look ahead to far more important honours.   [LNB]Once a prolific scorer, Scholes found the net for the 98th time in league combat at Sunderland in April last year.   [LNB]It has taken 11 months to get the extra two, having been on 99 since his effort in the four-goal demolition of West Ham last December.   [LNB] Ton up: Paul Scholes celebrates his 100th Manchester United goal[LNB]His latest, a neat finish after he had shown patience and composure to nip past Jody Craddock before drilling his shot into the far corner, promises to be one of the most important this season for Manchester United as it game them a narrow victory at Wolves and took them back to the top of the league.   [LNB]Scholes has never been one for rejoicing at personal milestones. And, after becoming the 18th player to reach a Premier League ton, he offered the briefest of reactions before setting his sights on more tangible rewards.   [LNB]'It was nice,' he said. 'I had a similar chance against West Ham a couple of weeks ago, but thankfully this time I managed to score.  [LNB]'I have been on 99 for a while now, so it is nice to get it done. I am really pleased I have managed to achieve it. It has put us top of the league and hopefully we can stay there.' [LNB]Although United survived a couple of major scares, including one in stoppage time when Sam Vokes blazed over from six yards, it was the kind of result they have turned into an art form down the years.  [LNB] Familiar sight: Scholes drives home the winner against Wolves[LNB] With just nine matches remaining, United know points, not performances are all that matter now. And having been down that road so many times in the past, Scholes can sense when it has been a potentially decisive day. [LNB]'It was a big win,' he said. 'The pitch wasn't great and I don't think they were too interested in playing football either. They were just trying to stop us, which made it difficult.   [LNB]'When you scrape through like that, when you are just hanging in, it is as good as getting five.'[LNB]Sir Alex Ferguson has already started chalking the games off, the next one being at Old Trafford on Sunday against Fulham, who have to visit Juventus in the Europa League next Thursday.   [LNB]United have an eye-catching European tie of their own though, against David Beckham's AC Milan on Wednesday, with the Red Devils looking to defend their 3-2 first-leg lead and advance into the quarter-finals.  [LNB]'Wednesday is a massive game and this win will send us into it with a lot of confidence,' Scholes added. 'Hopefully we can get through the tie and get a place in the next round.'[LNB] Fergie forced to deny claims he wants part of Red Knights United takeover bidUnited poised to swoop for summer free agent Cole, if contract talks failWolves 0 Manchester United 1: Defending champions back on top as Paul Scholes joins the Premier League's 100 ClubMANCHESTER UNITED FC

Source: Daily_Mail