Sir Alex Ferguson is retaining hope that Paul Scholes will commit to one more year at Manchester United.

12353 - Sir Alex hopeful Paul Scholes will play on

A changing of the guard is looming at Old Trafford, with Edwin van der Sar confirming his retirement and Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville and Scholes in the autumn of their careers.

Giggs has been in sizzling form this season and looks set to play on for another campaign, but injuries have hampered Scholes and he said this week that he was unsure about his future in the game.

An offer has been put to the England international and Ferguson is not giving up hope that the midfielder will play on.

"Paul has not made up his mind," Ferguson said. "I hope he stays on for another year. I think he can do that but I will leave it with him."

Ferguson took time out during his press conference on Friday to heap praise on Van der Sar.

"Edwin's impact as a professional is the one thing I will always remember about him," Ferguson said. "He has been absolutely fantastic in all areas, quite apart aside from his ability on the football field. His training performances, his example to young players, his personality in the dressing room. He is a really special man.

"But he made the point himself, it is pointless trying to be superman into your 40s. There has to be a time for everyone in football.

"It is one of the sad parts of my job that you get to the stage where age takes over."