Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has described the return of Paul Scholes to the Red Devils side as "an absolute joy".The former England midfielder made his first start in three months following a knee operation against Portsmouth and he could retain his place in Saturday's Premier League clash at Tottenham.

Ferguson said: "When you see Scholes coming back and what he brings to a game, it is an absolute joy.

"He makes so much time for himself. He brings order and composure to our play. That is a big bonus for us.

"We have a number of good options in midfield. The one I feel sorry for is Darren Fletcher as he cannot get a game.

"I need to integrate him in the team as he is good big-game player and everyone will have a role to play as the season goes on."

Meanwhile Cristiano Ronaldo will be looking to improve on his impressive 27-goal tally at White Hart Lane with punters still talking about his free-kick in midweek.

Ferguson said: "The balls do move a bit but his striking of the ball is superb.

"The art of free-kicks today is to get it over the wall. The nearer you are, the harder it is to do that.

"We have always had one particular free-kick taker, players like Denis Irwin, Ryan Giggs, Eric Cantona and David Beckham.

"They all enjoy it and you know you can win games from those free-kicks."

United are looking to complete a double against Tottenham inside a week after knocking them out of the FA Cup.

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