Sir Alex Ferguson has indicated that Paul Scholes might be reluctant to sign a new contract extension, despite his overriding confidence that it will happen in the end.

Ryan Giggs has recently put pen to paper on a new deal whilst Gary Neville announced his immediate retirement. Scholes seemingly sits somewhere between the two, after spending months of the season out injured. At the turn of the year, he admitted he had yet to make a decision on next season, whilst at the start of the season he revealed he thought he would have retired by now.

“At Christmas last season I did not think I would be playing in this one,” he said. “I wasn’t playing well enough. The season before last I had an injury for three months and then from Christmas onwards my form wasn’t brilliant. Leading up to Christmas last year it still wasn’t great. I wasn’t playing as much as I would have liked but you need to be playing well to get into the team. I set myself high standards. I want to feel as though I am contributing to the team. If I am not doing that what is the point of being here.”

Scholes had started this season well but since returning from his lengthy injury has understandably struggled to find form. With Anderson’s injury and the less than dazzling displays from Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick this season, Scholes certainly should get a good run in the team over these final few months.

Ferguson has reiterated his confidence in Scholes’ ability though, claiming he can still make a difference for United this season and next.

“I am more than hopeful about Paul signing another contract,” said Ferguson. “I think he should. His fitness isn’t in question. I think Paul feels he has to play all the games. It is not a bad thing to be that way but at his age, that is impossible. But he can still play a big part for Manchester United, this season and next.”