Paul Scholes came out of retirement at age 37 to rescue Manchester United in the FA Cup match against noveau riche arch rivals, Manchester City.

I’m not entirely sure what I think about that. He’s still got the talent, particularly in the league, against low and mid-table teams, and United could use some extra bodies with the injury problems they’ve had.

If there is one aspect I can appreciate, is that his comeback can put to rest the idea that the team needs to recruit a cultured, creative, passer in the January transfer window.

That might have been true if Darren Fletcher were healthy and fit or his Phil Jones were a success in midfield (not only is not a top class midfielder, the injury to Nemanja Vidic almost certainly means he will be badly needed in his natural position as centreback). Or perhaps even if Anderson could string together a series of performances featuring him fully fit and on song.

But none of these things have happened.

So… with Scholes back, they have their passer. The creative fulcrum who can link the midfield and the attack and can pick the lock of opposing defenses.

No, they just need someone to break up opposing attacks and buzz about, keeping opponents off balance and making occasional drives towards the opposition goal to keep folks on their toes.

It does mean that one time target Javi Martinez will not be considered in the January transfer window. He’s a much more stationary midfielder, like Scholes, only playing in a deeper, more defensive minded position and also, unlike Scholes, able to tackle without earning an instant red card.

Hopefully, they’ll be looking at a more bustling style of player. Sami Khedira would be perfect, if Real Madrid would sell him, but that other out of favor Real Madrid player, Lassana ‘Lass’ Diarra is more likely, if also less talented. But really, anyone to provide cover for a defense shorn of its captain and best player (the aforementioned Vidic) and to provide some energy and hard running to Scholes patient passing.