Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand delighted to see Paul Scholes and Thierry Henry back ...

Scholes's decision to come out of retirement was sensationally announced before United's 3-2 FA Cup victory over rivals City, while Henry has re-joined Arsenal on a temporary switch from MLS side New York Red Bulls, scoring on his second debut for the club in the 1-0 win over Leeds.

Ferdinand rates the pair as two of the most influential players to have played in England since the inception of the Premier League.

"It is great to see two of the best players come back," Ferdinand told PA Sport. "If I was going to name a top five list of players to have played in the Premier League, Scholes and Henry would be in there.

"It's fantastic for Arsenal, of course, just as it is for us to have Scholes back. Hopefully he's going to help us get over the line and win another couple of trophies."

The 33-year-old also revealed none of the Red Devils players knew of Scholes’ plans to come out of retirement until the club’s kit man told them.

He added: "I spoke to Scholesy a few weeks beforehand and asked him if he was coming back but he doesn't give anything away.

“When he met up with the squad the day before the City game, I asked him again if he was in the squad but he said he was coming to watch as part of the staff.

“I had an inkling he might be back though because he trained the day before with us, but it wasn't until the kit man told me before the game that he had brought his gear that I knew for certain."

Ferdinand also believes the midfielder's return will aid United’s youngsters, adding: "It's fantastic for the club and the team. More importantly, for the young players learning their trade - especially our midfielders - they can see a top player at work.