Sir Alex Ferguson's First Assessment Of Paul Scholes Wasn't Complimentary

Sir Alex Ferguson might have had a good eye for talent whilst at Manchester United, especially with academy prospects, but it seems he wasn't sold on Paul Scholes straight away.

The United legend won 11 league titles with the Red Devils and made over 700 appearances for the club, playing his entire career under Ferguson, and is considered one of the Premier League's all time greats.

Scholes was part of the Class of 92 that helped Fergie's side dominate the English top tier for many years, alongside some of the most famous players of the generation.

Whilst Gary Neville was known to have worked hard to be in his position, most would think it all came more naturally to Scholes and expect that Fergie knew the midfielder would be a success straight away.

However, it's not quite the case and the famous Scotsman actually had one major misgiving about the ginger ace when he was in the academy.

According to FourFourTwo, when Fergie first saw Scholes play, for United's youth team, in the 80s he turned to Jim Ryan and said, "He's got no chance, he's a midget."

Scholes height didn't end up stopping him. Image: PA Images

In an interview years later the boss admitted that he'd got it wrong with the Salford born player, and that he'd never been allowed to forget his error, "That's become a standing joke," the former Aberdeen boss said, "Jim never lets me forget that early assessment and I have to hold my hands up.

"You could see exceptional ability but he was so tiny.

"Paul is one in a million and I was left to reflect on how mightily privileged United have been that he graced our team."

In his interview with FourFourTwo, the midfielder was asked if it were true that he used to ping balls at the manager's head in training, with the 45-year-old confirming the story, "Yes, that's a bit true! I wouldn't go for the manager, but I might hit one just by the side of him to try to wake him up.

Ferguson soon changed his mind on Scholes. Image: PA Images

"I wasn't stupid enough to aim directly at his head.

"He would look around and see who did it, and even though I'd be standing in a crowd of about eight players, I would always get the blame! I do remember I once hit Phil [Neville] from distance with a cracker right on the head.

"It sent him flying - it was hilarious!"

Scholes isn't anywhere near as impressed with the current United team as the ones before them, and the ones he was included in.

The former England international used to be known as a quiet player off the pitch but has found his voice as a pundit on BT Sport.

He and former teammate Rio Ferdinand ripped into United following their Champions League exit to Atletico Madrid in midweek.

It's not the first time either, and Scholes certainly isn't a fan of Ralf Rangnick, it's unlikely his opinion will be changes as dramatically as Fergie's though...