Sir Alex Ferguson is convinced elder statesmen Edwin van
der Sar, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs will be key figures for
Manchester United next season.
Ferguson has a fantastic blend of youth and experience available
to him at Old Trafford and he is not ready to put his senior stars
out to pasture.
Van der Sar will be given an extended break following his Euro
2008 exploits, while Scholes and Giggs will be used to their
optimum.
”Giggs is 34 now and the way we can control the number of games
he plays, he can give us real quality,” said Ferguson. “He won’t
play every game but if he gives me 25 games of real quality, that
can still keep us at the forefront in terms of players who can win
matches.
”Nani and Anderson can improve and the reason we bought them
is to replace Scholes and Giggs in the long run.
"Scholes will give us another couple of years at the top level
no question.”
Van der Sar has called time on his international career with
Holland, but Ferguson feels the veteran keeper can still operate at
the highest level.
The Scot added: “He has looked after himself, that is the key.
He prepares well and will get a good break. I have told him to have
as much holiday as he wants. At his age he knows what is best for
him and he will be back for us and hopefully has another great
season.”
Ferguson is also hopeful that Gary Neville, who has had an
injury ravaged 12 months, can return to his best.
“I am hopeful Gary Neville can come back,” revealed Ferguson.
“It is difficult at 33 when you have been out of the game for a
year, but he is such a determined character you would not bet
against him coming back. And if he does it gives another string to
our bow in terms of experience.”
