There was something of the WWE storyline when Manchester United fans awoke on the morning of January 8, 2012 to the news that club legend Paul Scholes was returning, right in time for the Manchester derby.
The iconic midfielder had been named in the match day squad for an FA Cup tie at the Etihad Stadium which, despite the fact that Scholes had only been out of action for six months, gave Manchester United a massive boost.
The former England international made just a cameo appearance that day, coming on for Nani for the final thirty minutes in a highly-exciting 3-2 United win, but he went on to score six days later in a home tie against Bolton.
“I’m delighted the manager feels I can still make a contribution to the team,” Scholes said upon his announcement.
“I’ve been pretty clear since I stopped playing that I miss it and I’m looking forward to playing my part in trying to bring more success to this great club.”
Scholes went on to appear a further 42 times for Manchester United and played a key role for Alex Ferguson who would bring him on late in games to use his experience when seeing out results.
On 11 May 2013, Scholes announced his decision to retire from the game for good and appeared for the last time against West Brom on 19 May when he picked up his customary yellow card.
He knew he was able to offer another eighteen months of football to the Old Trafford cause and the news of his retirement U-turn, three years ago today, goes down as one of the most memorable moments in Premier League history.
