OLDHAM 1 Scholesy on wrong end of ‘Fergie time’ ... for once! RAY STRIKES LATE TO STING OLDHAM BOSS

CREWE 1

PAUL SCHOLES was left to curse ‘Fergie time’ as Crewe struck to puncture his early managerial euphoria.

How many times did Manchester United sides of the past involving Scholes deliver right at the death?

But now, in charge of a team of his own, the boot was on the other foot as Alex pounced in the third of five added minutes to snatch a point.

“To be honest, I thought their goal was coming and they deserved it,” Scholes confessed.

“It’s not a complete disaster. We knew it was going to be difficult.

“Am I enjoying it? I’m not sure. I knew it was going to be stressful.

“I’m now two games in and I am not stupid enough to know that we can play beautiful football every week.”

Having exchanged a comfy TV studio seat for an afternoon pacing the technical area, Scholes observed without many of the histrionics which afflict some of his more experienced colleagues.

It’s not certain whether Scholes had picked up on the prediction of a young O ldha m masco t relayed over the tannoy while he observed the warm-up.

It was enough to give the ‘ Ginger

Prince’ palpitations. “6- 5 to Oldham” was the prophesy of the bright-eyed youngster.

At least it was more in keeping with the buccaneering style of football Scholes had demanded at his spiritual Manchester United home during the sullen and soulless reign of Jose Mourinho.

And his first game in charge in midweek had produced a 4- 1 victory over Yeovil. Before the kick off, owner Abdallah Lemsagam ( above) had been patrolling the club’s corridors resplendent in a snazzy bright blue suit.

At least Scholes’ arrival had saved the Moroccan one of his weekly jobs – to make changes to the Oldham line-up.

He had insisted on no interference – he would stand or fall on his own work in the unchartered territory of football’s fourth tier.

Oldham enter the field to Emerson, Lake and Palmer’s Fanfare for the Common Man – very fitting for someone who has never forgotten his local roots.

Not for him the palatial south Cheshire villages favoured by many United