on 8 january 2012, scholes reversed his decision to retire because of the injury crisis in the manchester united squad and made his return as a substitute during a 3–2 win, against neighbours manchester city in the fa cup. since the number 18 shirt had been given to ashley young, scholes wore the number 22 shirt. he made his first start in the next game against bolton wanderers, where he scored his first goal since returning in a 3–0 victory at old trafford, converting a wayne rooney pass; this meant he had scored at least one goal in every season in the premier league since 1994–95. he scored his second goal since coming back in a 2–1 away win against norwich city on 26 february, heading home a cross from nani. on 8 april, he scored in a 2–0 win against queens park rangers at old trafford, helping united to go eight points clear of rivals manchester city in the premier league.