Ferguson plays down Ozil talk as Scholes shines

Alex Ferguson insists Paul Scholes’s superb display against Chelsea in the Community Shield shows Manchester United don’t need to sign Germany playmaker Mesut Ozil.

Ferguson watched Werder Bremen midfielder Ozil in action in a friendly at Fulham on Saturday, sparking speculation that the United manager was ready to make a move for one of the stand-out performers at the World Cup.

But, after seeing the ever-green Scholes, 35, give a midfield masterclass in United’s 3-1 victory over Chelsea on Sunday, Ferguson made it clear that he is happy with his squad heading into the new season.

“I think a lot of clubs will be interested in Ozil. At the moment I think we have a great squad. I don’t need to add to it. That is my opinion. I trust them,” Ferguson said.

“This time last season Scholes was thinking it might be his last year. A lot of people thought that and it crossed my mind as well simply because he has had a lot of injuries in his career and it’s not easy to come back from that.

“So it’s phenomenal that he goes out there and is man of the match approaching his 36th birthday. He is an unusual person and an incredible footballer.”

Ferguson played down the significance of his side’s victory over double winners Chelsea, but he could take heart from Wayne Rooney’s lively display after his poor form at the World Cup.

The Scot was also encouraged by new signing Javier Hernandez’s performance, capped by a goal, and a cool finish from fellow substitute Dimitar Berbatov.

“I don’t think Javier lacks confidence but goals do help, strikers are strikers and they like to score. So far he has scored in each game he has played,” Ferguson said.

“Looking at him, he is certainly different to what we have got. He is always looking to run through, he is quick enough to do that and it gives us an advantage in certain games.”