Paul Scholes commits to one more year with Manchester United

Paul Scholes has signed a one-year contract extension that keeps the former England midfielder at Manchester United until the end of next season.

Scholes came out of retirement in January and produced a number of impressive displays as United were just beaten to the Barclays Premier League title by neighbours Manchester City.

Confirmation of the deal comes almost a year to the day since he announced his retirement. The 37-year-old moved into a coaching role with United but, after reversing his decision, returned in an FA Cup third-round victory over City at the Etihad Stadium on 8 January.

He made 16 Premier League appearances in the second half of the season, scoring four goals, giving rise to speculation he could end his international exile and force his way into Roy Hodgson’s squad for Euro 2012.

That Scholes did not return to the international fold will come as a relief to Ferguson, who in announcing the new deal earlier this month, admitted that next season would likely be the midfielder’s last.

“I am delighted,” Ferguson told MUTV on May 14. “He knew he had made a mistake. He now realises if he plays 25 or 30 games next season, they will be of real quality. I think this will be Paul’s last season. We know him very welland know how to use him.”