• Premier League

United braced for Scholes' retirement

ESPN staff
May 15, 2011
Paul Scholes is contemplating retirement © Getty Images
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Manchester United chief executive David Gill has revealed that he expects Paul Scholes to retire at the end of the season.

Scholes got his hands on a tenth Premier League title on Saturday after coming on as a second-half substitute in United's 1-1 draw at Blackburn.

The 36-year-old is out of contract in the summer, and while Sir Alex Ferguson is keen to see him sign on for another year, Gill admits he would not be surprised if Scholes decided to hang up his boots at the end of the season.

"It wouldn't surprise us if Paul Scholes retired," Gill told BBC Radio 5Live. "At the end of the season, he will have a conversation with Sir Alex about that. I am sure he will let us know his decision and we will respect it. He has been a brilliant player for many years."

Scholes is not the only player whose future at Old Trafford lies in the balance. With defender Wes Brown and Michael Owen likely to leave in the summer, the likes of Wesley Sneijder and Ashley Young have been linked with a move to United.

Edwin van der Sar's retirement has seen United linked with Atletico Madrid keeper David de Gea, Ajax No. 1 Maarten Stekelenburg and Schalke's Manuel Neuer. Gill refused to name their top target to replace Van der Sar, but remained confident of securing a deal.

"We know the keeper we want," Gill said. "We are in a good situation with that and it will progress at the end of the season. It is not as though it is a surprise that Edwin is retiring.

"We have been associated with all the top goalkeepers in Europe for the last six to 12 months. We have made the decision and I am sure we can get the deal done."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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