Red Devils to miss midfield kingpin

(18-12-2010) Influential Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has been ruled out of the club’s crucial clash with Chelsea on Sunday. The 36-year-old veteran has been struggling with a groin problem that has kept him out of action since the Champions League trip to Rangers three weeks ago. "Paul is out of Sunday," United boss Sir Alex Ferguson told Key 103 radio on Friday. "We are working towards getting him fit for the New Year matches." Fergie was however optimistic defender John O'Shea would be available for this weekend despite a minor calf problem. Brazilian star Anderson, who has started to show real glimpses of his true potential in recent weeks, is expected to stand in for Scholes. The Red Devils currently top the EPL by two points from Arsenal and four points from Chelsea. They also have a game in hand on both clubs.