SCHOLES AWARD

Last updated : 10 February 2003 By editor

It is Scholes' first award and the first time a United player has been given the prize since Ruud van Nistelrooy 12 months ago.

'I am delighted to win the Barclaycard Player of the Month Award for the first time,' said Scholes. I'm very pleased with my form of late, and hoping I can help United keep the pressure on Arsenal at the top of the league.’

The Barclaycard Awards Panel statement read:

'It is incredible to think that Paul Scholes has never won the player of the month award before. His pace, eye for goal and intelligence in midfield have been central to United's recent improvement in form and he will be a key player as United try to win the Barclaycard Premiership.’

'Eight league goals this season go someway to explain why this diminutive Mancunian is respected as one of the best players in the world at present.'