Despite Sir Alex Ferguson being linked with a number of
possible replacements for Paul Scholes, the retired midfielder
believes his former boss should keep his hand in his
pocket.
The former England midfielder's decision to call it a day at the
end of the season has left a chasm in Manchester United's midfield,
but instead of replacing the pass master, Scholes believes that a
tailor-made replacement is right under his nose.
With Javier Hernandez or Dimitar Berbatov often occupying the
central striker role in United's team, Wayne Rooney's withdrawn
position has led to comparisons with the Scholes of old, and the
Old Trafford idol sees the 25-year-old as his long-term
successor.
"Yes I can see Rooney in my role a little bit," Scholes said.
"He did that in a couple of games towards the end of the season –
dropped back into midfield and did well.
"I played up front like Wayne when I was younger, but I dropped
back because I was too slow. Wayne is quicker than I was. He might
need a little bit more discipline mainly – in his positional sense
and helping his back four out."
Scholes has done Ferguson ample favours since his United debut
against Port Vale, but in a transfer market that the boss has often
labelled as 'lacking value', Scholes' confirmation of Rooney's
prowess in 'his' role could sway Sir Alex from making a desperate
signing.