Ferguson denies Scholes rumor

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insists Paul Scholes will not be retiring at the end of the season.

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Reports had suggested that the 38-year-old midfielder has told "friends" he will be quitting the game for a second time next summer.

But Ferguson is certain that if that was the case, Scholes would have let him know.

Ferguson said: "I would be surprised if Paul had spoken to someone without speaking to me - and he hasn't - so we can dismiss that."

There have also been suggestions this could be 39-year-old Ryan Giggs' final season in the game, and that Rio Ferdinand's future at Old Trafford is uncertain.

But Ferguson said: "Ryan could play for another year or two. Rio has been terrific. The speculation comes from our policy of only giving older players one-year contracts."