Paul Scholes may hang up his boots for good this summer, but Sir Alex Ferguson vows the Manchester United maestro will have a place at Old Trafford forever.
The 38-year-old could not resist returning to the United fold half-way through last season after initially announcing his retirement.
A niggling knee injury has limited the veteran to just 19 appearances this campaign and Ferguson admits Scholes’ celebrations were typically brief as the Red Devils picked up their 20th title.
“We’ll have to wait and see with Scholes,” said the Scot. “He’s got an injury that is bothering him a lot. I don’t think he came onto the pitch but he’s not that type. He was probably home by the time the game ended!
“It doesn’t matter as he’ll be here anyway – whether as a player or coach. He’ll be here anyway.”
Should Scholes decide to return to United’s off-the-field staff, he will join Red Devils-bred footballers in Nicky Butt, Tony Whelan and Paul McGuinness.
The midfielder was coaching the reserves before opting for a swansong – and Ferguson revealed it was the shy midfielder’s decision to pipe up and ask to rejoin the team.
“It would’ve been easy to say nothing and carry on but he made his mind up. He wanted to come back and play and it was a good one for us,” he added.
“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.
“We have a lot of former players in positions at the club which is healthy for us.”
Picture courtesy of James Adams, via Wiki Commons, with thanks.
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