Scholes and Neville: Should Fergie let them leave?

Paul Scholes recently confirmed what some fans had suspected was the case for a while, that is sometimes his legs do not do as they are told to do; it happens to all players no matter how great you have been, as is the case the with the affectionately known Ginger Prince. It is the same story as far as Gary Neville is concerned, he is fighting the unwinnable fight against the clock, as both players are now in their mid-thirties, so it was interesting to read that several clubs including Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Bolton are being linked with these United legends.

Perhaps Fergie believes that loyalty to one club should be rewarded by allowing them to bow-out at the top and at the club they have stayed with throughout their professional careers, because these days that is a rarity.

The fans won't have a problem with whatever the manager and players decide regarding their futures, but you do wonder if these born winners will be able to live with being bit-part players while they see out the remainder of their time at Old Trafford.

There is an argument that has been used by Ferguson in the past that retaining older playing staff blocks the progression of younger stars in the making - ironically this was the reasoning used by the manager when selling many a big name player to make way for the team that became known as "Fergies Fledglings", one that included the Neville brothers and Paul Scholes. Despite those concerns, my own view is Fergie will remain loyal to those who have given such great service to United, but it remains to be seen if the players concerned will still be here come the beginning of the new season because professional pride is at stake.