Scholes comes out of retirement

Paul Scholes has made 627 appearances for Manchester United

Paul Scholes has come out of retirement and will play for Manchester United until the end of the season.

The former England midfielder, 37, retired at the end of last season and has been coaching at United.

But he has been persuaded to help United through their injury crisis and is on the bench for Sunday's FA Cup third-round tie at Manchester City.

Scholes said: "I'm delighted the manager feels I can still make a contribution to the team."

Archive: Scholes looks back on his Man Utd and England career

The veteran midfielder spent his entire career at Old Trafford and made his debut in the League Cup in 1994.

Scholes went on to win 10 Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies in a glittering domestic career.

The Premier League champions are beset by injury concerns in midfield, with Darren Fletcher ruled out for the rest of the season with a bowel condition and Tom Cleverley still struggling with an ankle problem.

Scholes, who made just 16 Premier League starts for United last season, made what was thought to be his final appearance in United's 3-1 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League final in May.

Born: 16 November 1974, Salford

Man Utd debut: 21 September 1994, versus Port Vale, League Cup (scores two goals)

Last appearance: 28 May 2011, v Barcelona, Champions League final

Man Utd appearances/goals: 466, 102

Man Utd honours: 10 Premier League titles; three FA Cups; two League Cups; five Community Shields; two Champions League titles

England caps: 66

England goals: 14

He added: "I've been pretty clear since I stopped playing that I miss it.

"I'm looking forward to playing my part in trying to bring more success to this great club."

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson feels Scholes, who quit international football in 2004 after winning 66 England caps, retired too soon.

"It's fantastic that Paul has made this decision," said Ferguson. "It's always sad to see great players end their careers, but especially so when they do it early.

"But he has kept himself in great shape and I always felt that he had another season in him. It's terrific to have him back."

Scholes will use the squad number 22 after Ashley Young took over his iconic number 18 at the start of the season.