Scholes: I'm ready to quit United and end my career next season

[benni...]

http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/domr/Gpaulscholesgoal_e.jpg



Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has revealed he is set to quit the game next season.

The former England midfielder will be 35 at the end of that campaign and admits he is ready to hang up his boots.

Scholes remains a key figure at Old Trafford but the flame-haired star insists he has struggled to come to terms with no longer being a regular under Sir Alex Ferguson.

'I'd have thought that next season will probably be my last year,' Scholes told the Daily Telegraph. 'I have one year left on my contract, but this year hasn't been great and whether it will get any better next year, I don't know. I've had a knee injury again this season. I seem to get a three-month knee injury every season now.

'It sets you back and I haven't contributed as much as I would have liked to have done. I get pain in my knees most days and I definitely feel my age. The eye problem is still there, but I have probably become totally used to it now and that's not an issue.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1187868/Scholes-Im-ready-quit-United-end-career-season.html

[MtP07]

We all knew the day was coming sooner rather than later, but it still hurts none the less. :( :(

[Bronaldo]

The fact that he can still pass like he does with the eye problem is kind of scary.

He's been fantastic and deserves his time away.

[Vermont Red]

While I went through the season looking at the minutes that each player has logged, it really stood out how far down the pecking order Scholes has fallen. If not for Fletcher's suspension there would be no speculation that Scholes would be starting tomorrow, and I'm still pretty sure that he won't be starting anyway.

Its unfortunate that part of the reason that Scholes is no longer automatic first choice is for reasons that are out of his control: tactics. The team does not play a style that suits Scholes any longer and to his credit Fergie has not made the same mistake that he made with a decling Keane and try to accomodate Scholes.

It'll be sad when he hangs it up. I have my dream scenario of Scholes playing in Rome and I hope it comes true.

[johno]

Paul Schoooooles, he scores goals.

[sdotsom]

VR already said it - the tactics no longer fit him. If we had Hargreaves readily playing game in and game out, I think there's a possible formation that would have reduced any defensive burden on Scholes and made him offensive only, but we don't have that luxury. With Giggs playing as a CM, we now have Carrick/Fletch/Ando as well as Giggsy all capable of the CM, and Scholesy has fallen way down the line. So this is hardly unexpected. His knees are feeling it as well.

Sad to see.

[Invincible]

He's certainly had a fantastic career and has been an icon in the Premier League era. Hopefully he gets to add to his trophy haul tommorow. (If we do it that'd be 3 European Cups!!! 3! For one player! Not bad eh?)

[Dark Savante]

Good on him. I'd prefer him go at while still being near the top than go on too long and become a shadow of himself.

He is bright red after 65 minutes these days and I think we can see that the game is becoming difficult for him to live with at PL pace.

I just hope we can make it a magestic high for him to go out on with some more major trophies next term.

A little bit of me is very surprised he didn't say he's calling it a day this summer, actually.

Scholesy will simply not accept a decline in his own standards and stay on past sell by date. He has far too much pride for that.

I have a feeling when he is gone, he'll be gone and we won't see him again unless the manager can get him involved with kids at youth level, which would afford him the low profile out of the spotlight and media that would be prerequisite for him.

[benni...]

He did say he wanted to look into coaching.

[sdotsom]

Let's see him do a year with Oldham first!

Seriously, that would be kind of cool.

[holytoledo]

Let's see him do a year with Oldham first!

Seriously, that would be kind of cool.

There isn't a doubt in my mind that I wouldn't get an Oldham Scholes shirt. :D

[cr7torossi]

We all knew it was coming and this was discussed in various match threads this season in games in which Scholes was found lacking as part of 2 man midfields.

Hopefully, as DS mentioned, he can leave on a high with another few big ones in the bag.

I would also prefer if he retires as a one-club man.

[Salama]

I think Scholes will surprise people next year. He was excellent at times last year and has not been terrible this year. United won the title this year by dominating the bottom half of the league. Scholes gives us a different look in our 14-18 games a year against these types of teams, and he only needs a few great passes and shots from his position in midfield to be a serious different maker. I believe Scholes-Carrick to be our best midfield against certain teams at home.