Is out-of-favour star the right man to replace Old Trafford legend?

Stephen Ireland - Manchester City (PA)
    Stephen Ireland has held crunch talks with Manchester City as he potentially seeks a move to fierce cross-city rivals Manchester United but could 'Superman' really be up to the momentous task of eventually replacing Paul Scholes at Old Trafford?

    With Scholes, 35, reaching the climax of his career, the opportunity for a special talent bold enough to step into the ex-England international's shoes is undoubtedly there for the taking - and plenty have tried their luck over the years.

    First there was     Juan Sebastian Veron, the Argentina international oozing with natural talent but he ultimately failed to shine under the spotlight at the Theatre of Dreams.
    Michael Carrick arrived from Tottenham for a sizeable transfer fee but quickly descended into a more deep-lying role and Brazilian youngster Anderson is another to have attempted to step up to the plate but injuries and patchy form have stopped him in his tracks.

    Now Stephen Ireland, 23, heads the latest list of candidates, along with the likes of     David Silva, Luka Modric and James Milner, ready to plug the gap that United have seemingly lacked all season long - a creative spark capable of unlocking defences in the attacking midfield role - but is the Republic of Ireland star really ready to fill the esteemed boots of the masterful, trophy-laden Scholes?

    Indeed would United fans be ready to take in a former enemy and adopt him as one of their own? Would City supporters look on ruefully and recall painful memories of the day when a certain    Ryan Giggs opted for Red over Blue or would they simply bid farewell to a somewhat prickly character who failed to build on a terrific 2008-09 campaign?

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