Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Paul Scholes will still be at Manchester United next season, yet in what capacity remains to be seen.
The former England international initially announced his retirement at the end of the 2010/11 season, but made a shock return to the first team fold in January 2012. He went on to make a total of 21 appearances in all competitions, scoring four goals.
This persuaded Scholes to play on for the current campaign, and he has racked up a further 19 outings and one goal. However, he has not played since the 4-1 Premier League win over Fulham at Old Trafford towards the end of January, due to a knee injury.
The 38-year-old will be out of contract at the end of the season, and he is unsure whether or not to extend his playing career. However, even if he decides to call his retirement for a second time, Ferguson has revealed the midfielder will remain at the club.
“We’ll have to wait and see with Scholes,” he told the club’s official website. “He’s got an injury that is bothering him a lot. It doesn’t matter as he’ll be here anyway – whether as a player or coach. He’ll be here anyway. He has got a lot to offer us and we do this now, it’s a very important part of our club to get players who have made a great contribution.”
Scholes has spent his entire career at United, and only Ryan Giggs and Sir Bobby Charlton have made more appearances for the club. When he does retire he will do so with a glittering honours list, having helped the Reds to 11 Premier League titles, a UEFA Champions League, three FA Cups and two League Cup successes.
