Ferguson waits on Scholes´ decision

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is hopeful veteran midfielder Paul Scholes will play on at Old Trafford for another season.

Scholes is contracted until the end of this season and the 36-year-old is believed to be weighing up whether to prolong his career.

After starting the season in vintage form, Scholes’ output has been reduced by a groin injury he picked up on Champions League duty, although he returned to the starting line-up for Tuesday’s 3-2 win over Blackpool.

With Edwin van der Sar deciding to retire at the end of the season, but winger Ryan Giggs deciding to play on for another year, Ferguson is unsure which path Scholes will choose but the manager is adamant the midfielder can contribute should he play on.

“Paul has not made up his mind,” Ferguson said.

“I hope he stays on for another year. I think he can do that but I will leave it with him.”

Ferguson also voiced his support for Blackpool boss Ian Holloway, after the club was fined 25,000 pounds for fielding a weakened team against Aston Villa in November.

Holloway made 10 changes to his side for the fixture, and despite only being denied a draw by a last-gasp winner from James Collins, the Premier League decided his actions warranted the fine.

Ferguson, however, has questioned the penalty and believes Holloway did not breach any regulations.

“You are allowed to have 25 players,” he said.

“They ask you to name them. They don’t ask you to name your 11 and 14 substitutes. The rules are there.”