Paul Scholes at 41: 5 Great Goals from Manchester United Legend's Career

Happy birthday, Paul Scholes. The Manchester United great was at Old Trafford on Saturday, playing as part of the David Beckham-organised Match for Children. He and Beckham rolled back the years to combine for a fine goal, as Scholes burst into the box to latch onto a Beckham cross. 

He has scored better goals, of course. And to mark the occasion of his 41st birthday, here are a selection of them to enjoy all over again.

In honour of Scholes' birthday, it seems fitting to celebrate his gifts.

A Magical Team Goal vs. Panathinaikos

"Oh, that is divine. Absolutely divine. What a lovely, lovely goal." Peter Drury's genuine enthusiasm during commentary captured the moment beautifully. Scholes finished off a wonderful team goal against Panathinaikos in November 2000, one of the best scored by one of Sir Alex Ferguson's best sides. 

Scholes was involved in the buildup, during United's long period of possession, and he engendered some directness into the play, knocking a long pass out to Dwight Yorke on the left wing. Scholes then burst forward to the edge of the area and the ball found its way to him via David Beckham and Teddy Sheringham. He pulled off a finish worthy of the buildup with a deft chip.

It was vintage Manchester United and vintage Scholes.

Beckham Corner, Scholes Volley, Goal vs. Bradford

Spoiler: This will not be the last volley from outside the box. 

It is, however, a truly special moment. In the above clip, his goal in the 4-0 victory over Bradford City in March 2000 is shown a couple of times, including in slow motion. The best way to watch it, though, is at full speed. Just look at it. As soon as it leaves Scholes' boot, it's in the back of the net. The phrase "the 'keeper had no chance" has never been more apt. In a literal application of the laws of physics, the 'keeper had no chance.

Watching it from behind Scholes' back, you see the fine margins by which he threaded it through the defence. There is always an aspect of good fortune in that. However, the sheer power on the ball ensured that if it did make its way through the crowded penalty area, it would most certainly hit the back of the net.

THAT Goal Against Barcelona

We all knew it would be here. It had to be. 

United's progression to the 2008 Champions League final depended on this goal. This was the sole goal of the two-legged clash against Barcelona that saw United more focused on defence than attack—particularly during the away leg.

What a goal it was. On the biggest stage, when his team needed it most, Scholes unleashed an absolute rocket. The sheer, unconfined joy on his face as he celebrated showed just how much it meant. To score a goal that special in a Champions League semi-final must surely be one of the highlights of Scholes' glorious career.

A Kiss from Gary

In April 2010, the title looked to be slipping away from United. A draw against Manchester City would have handed tremendous impetus to Chelsea with a handful of games to go. 

Up stepped Scholes with a stoppage-time derby winner. A delicate, perfectly aimed cross from Patrice Evra picked up Scholes, who had ghosted into the box unattended. He started his career as a striker, and his ability to burst into the box and head goals was a throwback to his earlier years.

In the joy of the celebration, Gary Neville couldn't resist showing his affection for his team-mate, planting a kiss on Scholes' lips. United did not go on to win the title that season, but in running Chelsea so close, they proved they were still a force. One year later, they raised the Premier League title aloft again.

Volley at Villa

"How?! Paul Scholes with the most brilliant goal!" This time it fell to Martin Tyler to be moved to superlatives. 

"How?!" was the appropriate response. Scholes was well positioned to meet the ball, which looped high into the air as a corner was cleared, and he somehow caught it with such precision it flew in off the underside of the crossbar and into Aston Villa's net. 

A thing of sheer footballing beauty, like so much of Scholes' career, this volley at Villa in December 2006 stands among the all-time great goals. It's one to enjoy over and over again. 

"How?!" indeed.