Manchester United Football Club

• Nickname:Red Devils
• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

• Ground:Old Trafford
• Capacity:68174

Scholes thrives on fear of failure

19 Sep 2010 - 10:11:41

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Paul Scholes has revealed that a fear of failure drives Manchester United on when they face bitter rivals Liverpool.

The two north-west heavyweights will slug it out at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon and Scholes claims the fear of losing is at the forefront of United minds.

The Red Devils lost 2-0 at Anfield last season before running out 2-1 winners on home soil towards the end of the campaign.

"Whenever you play Liverpool it's a massive game," he said. "Both teams want to win and I don't think that will ever change.

"You fear losing at this club, and against Liverpool in particular, so hopefully we can get the right result.

"There's a great rivalry between the two clubs and it's always nice to beat them.

"But this game matters even more after the disappointment of last week (drawing 3-3 with Everton) and, before that, at Fulham (2-2 draw).

"That's four points we've dropped. We're looking forward to Sunday. Hopefully we can get the right result."

Meanwhile, Scholes has played down suggestions that, at the age of 35, he is currently playing the best football of his career.

The midfielder has scored one goal and claimed three assists in his five appearances so far this season.

"I don't know whether I have hit the ground running because I have had some time off," he continued.

"But obviously it's nice to have a break because you feel fresh when you come back.

"I also managed to stay fit throughout pre-season, which helps. Just having a run of games is a major factor."