In a surprising revelation that will resonate with football fans everywhere, Manchester United icon Paul Scholes has opened up about the one glaring omission from his trophy cabinet that continues to bother him years after retirement.
The Unexpected Admission
While most would assume a player of Scholes' calibre would regret missing out on international glory with England, the midfield maestro confesses it's actually the UEFA Cup - now known as the Europa League - that represents his biggest footballing regret.
'It's probably the only trophy that I never won that I should have won,' Scholes revealed during an honest reflection on his decorated career.
The Night That Still Stings
The particular source of Scholes' disappointment stems from Manchester United's shock elimination from the 1999-2000 UEFA Cup quarter-finals against eventual winners Galatasaray. Despite being overwhelming favourites, United fell to a 3-2 aggregate defeat in a result that still rankles with the Class of '92 graduate.
'We went out to Galatasaray and we should have beaten them,' Scholes lamented, highlighting how even the most successful careers contain moments of what might have been.
A Career Most Players Dream Of
What makes Scholes' regret particularly poignant is the incredible success he enjoyed during his two decades at Old Trafford. The midfield genius collected:
- 11 Premier League titles
- 2 UEFA Champions League trophies
- 3 FA Cups
- Multiple other domestic honours
Yet even with this staggering haul, the missing UEFA Cup represents a rare failure in an otherwise flawless collection of football's biggest prizes.
Putting International Disappointment in Perspective
Interestingly, Scholes places this club disappointment above any frustrations with England's international campaigns. While the Three Lions never progressed beyond quarter-finals during his era, it's the club competition that clearly occupies his thoughts when reflecting on missed opportunities.
This revelation offers a fascinating insight into the mindset of elite athletes, where even the most decorated careers contain specific moments that continue to resonate through the years.
For United fans and football enthusiasts alike, Scholes' candid confession serves as a reminder that perfection in sport remains elusive, even for those who appear to have won everything.
