Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that he believes our living legends, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville, will stay on at the club once they stop playing, and that the likes of Darren Fletcher, Patrice Evra, John O’Shea and Wayne Rooney will take over their role.

“Scholes, Giggs, Neville? They are the living proof for the young players that United’s system allows players educated at the club to get success,” said Ferguson. “When they stop, they will remain. They are all preparing coach’s diplomas. I can imagine the club won’t let such experience leave. The next key men of the changing room? On character level, Patrice Evra is a strong power. He has big influence on the team. But if you look at the home players, I think about John O’Shea and Darren Fletcher. They have grown at the club. And Rooney quickly made a name for himself once here. He is an example.”

Both Evra and Rooney have repeatedly spoken of their love and dedication to the club and would be great role models for the next generation of players at United.