Sir Alex Ferguson doubts Paul Scholes is interested in resurrecting his England career.
Scholes' recent admission that he regretted turning down Fabio Capello's offer of a place at the World Cup has triggered more talk about a possible retirement U-turn by the in-form 35-year-old, who quit international football immediately after Euro 2004.
"I have no idea about England. I wouldn't have thought so," said Ferguson.
With a squad for the opening Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland due to be announced on Sunday, there has been some speculation that Scholes might be in it.
However, as one of the few men who knows Scholes intimately, having spent so long in the same dressing room, Ferguson would be stunned if the midfielder was in Capello's 23.
Having turned down the chance to star in South Africa, it is difficult to know why Scholes would suddenly be interested in embarking on trips to Bulgaria and Montenegro in a quest to reach the next European Championships, which will be co-hosted by Poland and the Ukraine.
It could also be argued that the player's exceptional early season form - he scored his 150th United goal at Fulham last weekend - is a direct by-product of his international retirement because he now has more time to re-charge his body.
Scholes' recent performances mean he might well be in Ferguson's side to face West Ham at Old Trafford on Saturday evening.
Wayne Rooney has recovered from the virus that forced him to sit out the Craven Cottage encounter, although with Rio Ferdinand and Anderson nearing full fitness, the United boss admits selecting his teams is becoming a problem again.
"Everyone is fit, although when you get everyone fit at this club it is a nightmare because you have 24 players all reporting and I can only pick 11," Ferguson shrugged. "It is totally unfair. We should be allowed to pick 16 at least."
Source: PA
