Source: Manchester_EveningNews
Scholes can forget Oldham, says Ferguson
PAUL Scholes' retirement plans will be put on hold if Sir Alex Ferguson gets his way.
And Oldham Athletic can forget all about having the United legend on their books for a swansong final campaign in the future.
On the eve of last May's Champions League final in Rome the 34-year-old Reds midfielder had eyes on the finishing line.
"I'd have thought next year will probably be my last," said Paul.
But the Reds boss has dismissed the notion that Scholes could just up sticks and quit Old Trafford at the end of the season.
His early season form has given Fergie hope he'll have him available for selection beyond this season.
"I don't think this is his last season. Not the way that he plays," said Sir Alex.
"It's difficult to say how long he can go on for but what else has he got? He is a football man. He isn't going to drop through the leagues I am sure of it.
"Once you have played for United for as long as he has - 20 years - what else are you going to do?
"I have read that stuff about playing for Oldham in his last year. No chance!"
Scholes start
Scholes has had an impressive opening to the campaign despite his sending off at Spurs.
His headed winner against Besiktas in Turkey was a throwback to his goal-scoring midfield days.
"The best time to use Scholes at this moment in time is when he is fresh. That's the right time," added Fergie.
"I am seeing the fresh Scholesy. It's September and we have to look at the whole season. We will see what happens.
"He will not be playing the whole season. But that's why we have got a squad of players. He will miss more than he plays.
"But if I get 25 games out of him at the level we saw on Saturday at Tottenham and Tuesday in Turkey I think we will be delighted at that."
Scholes bounced back from his controversial White Hart Lane dismissal for two yellow cards with that Istanbul strike but will miss Sunday's derby because of his ban.
"The derby is always a massive game but after what has gone on there at Eastlands it is probably a little bit bigger. It is tight at the top of the league," said Paul.
"I am disappointed to miss out especially when I was sent off when I shouldn't have been. I was disappointed on Saturday because I think most people could see it wasn't a second yellow card.
"I just had to put that behind me and come into the game against Besiktas hoping that we could win this one. It was not the best performance but we won the game and that is the most important thing when you come away in the Champions League.
"It was professional. We would have liked to have played better than we did do and create more chances and generally play better. We haven't done that but we have got an important goal and won the game.
"It has been a while since I scored. It was one of only a couple of occasions that I have been able to get forward these days."
