MISFIRING Paul Scholes needs a goal to kick-start his season, says United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

The 30-year-old midfielder has been ever-present for the Reds' so far this season - starting in all nine of United's Premiership and Champions League matches.

But Scholes' mysterious off-key form has baffled the Reds' support and he has yet to break his goal duck for the campaign.

In fact, Paul's name hasn't been on the scoresheet since the start of last May when he scored at the Valley against Charlton.

And it's March 2004, when United drew 1-1 at Old Trafford against Porto and were knocked out of the European Cup, since Scholes registered a Champions League strike.

That's a remarkable 10-match drought for a player who features alongside such scoring greats as Marco Van Basten, Johan Cruyff and Benfica's Jose Torres with 19 goals in UEFA's top 50 all-time European Cup goalscorers.

Barren

Scholes' woe in front of goal has resurrected the agony of last season's damaging missed goal chances for United.

It is an ailment that is once again costing the Reds dearly with a host of opportunities being squandered again in last Saturday's Blackburn defeat.

"Nobody seems to be scoring goals at the moment," Fergie pointed out as he referred to the Premiership's barren spell.

"But I think if you are creating chances then it is one step forward. Hopefully, we can create chances against Benfica and the right people will take them.

"In Ruud van Nistelrooy and Paul we have two of the best finishers in the game. Paul just needs a goal to get his season off and running.

"With the experience in the forward positions of Ruud, Paul and possibly Ryan Giggs tonight hopefully that proves the turning point for us."

The United boss was waiting to check John O'Shea's knock from Saturday before naming his side to face Ronald Koeman's troops.

UNITED: (possible) Van der Sar, O'Shea, Richardson, Ferdinand, Silvestre, Ronaldo, Fletcher, Scholes, Smith, Park, van Nistelrooy.

BENFICA: (possible) Moreira, Anderson, Luisao, Leo, Nelson, Petit, Fernandes, Karagounis, Simao, Gomes, Miccoli.

Can Scholes do the business against Benfica? Have your say.

Tweet