Paul Scholes wasn't quite the best tackler in the world, but he got by.
The England man wasn't know for saying much in interviews either, but his answer to Gary Neville's plea to come out of retirement and play for the 'Class of 92' pet football project is typical of the Englishman; direct and guaranteed to leave you wincing.
Scholes and Neville along with Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs and Phil Neville all own a share in Salford City and in a new documentary to be shown on the BBC later this week Scholes is filmed being asked by Neville to consider lacing up his boots for the non-league outfit last season.
However Scholes was less than enthused when asked by his former club colleague over a telephone conversation caught on camera,
Gary Neville : It's me. What do you think about playing for Salford against Ashton United in the FA Cup? One word answer."
Paul Scholes "Shambles."
GN: Go on. "One game! I'll play if you play."
PS: "I'm fat as f***."What would it achieve?"
GN: "We'll get 2000 in the crowd. "It would create a bit of excitement. And everyone would see you play! Do you fancy it?"
Scholes did not 'fancy it' and opted out of the game.
Despite the lack of the midfielder, the club survived their first season and are in FA cup action next week when their game against Notts County on Friday week.
