Scholes urges Ferguson to carry on

2009/11/21

MANCHESTER: Paul Scholes has urged Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson to shelve any thoughts of retirement and continue in the job for as long as
he can. Ferguson, who turns 68 on Dec 31, recently celebrated his 23rd anniversary at the helm at Old Trafford and is widely expected to step down at the end of this season or next, having said previously he will not continue into his 70s.

But midfielder Scholes, who has served under Ferguson for more than 15 years, believes the manager can add to his vast array of honours at United, which includes 11 Premier League titles, two European Cups and five FA Cups.

“His record speaks for itself,” said the former England international ahead of Ever ton’s visit to Old Trafford today.

“Twenty-three years is a long time and, hopefully, he can continue to be here and win trophies for a long time to come.

“Other teams don’t have the benefit of having a manager for so long.

“I think it goes to show what can be achieved if you have a manager for so long and the trophies they can win. I’ve known no different.

“When I played for England there was a change of manager from time to time and it probably didn’t seem to help most of the time.

“I’ve been lucky enough to play under one manager and it has been great.” Ferguson will be in the dugout at Old Trafford after it was confirmed that the two-match touchline ban he received for questioning the fitness of referee Alan Wiley will not start until next week.

Following the international break, United, who hope to welcome back Nemanja Vidic to the defence, resume their Premier League campaign five points behind leaders Chelsea following a 1-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge in their last outing.

But Everton have not won a league match at Old Trafford for 17 years and make the short journey with a string of injury problems.

Long-termcasualties Leon Osman, Phil Neville, the former United player, Victor Anichebe, Phil Jagielka and Mikel Arteta are nearing a return to action but the match is expected to come too soon for any of them to feature. —AFP