Gary Neville backs Manchester United’s Paul Scholes to continue playing

Paul Scholes, Manchester United (Getty Images)

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Gary Neville is hoping that his former Manchester United team-mate Paul Scholes carries on playing beyond the end of the season.

The midfielder’s contract with the club expires during the summer, and he is yet to agree on a new contract.

The club’s chief executive David Gill has conceded that it would not be a surprise if Scholes retired at the end of the season, but Neville – who hung up his boots earlier in the campaign – has urged him to continue playing.

“I’ve watched him play for the last few months and I’d say carry on,” Neville said on the club’s official website.

“If I was playing at the ability level he reaches and making the contribution he still makes in games, I would carry on.

“Paul is his own man though. He won’t be influenced by what I say or others. Obviously the manager will be speaking to him and he’ll come to the right decision for himself and his family.

“I look at him as a Man United fan now and a friend and I want to see him play. He’ll make his own decision. He knows what he’s going to do. He’s experienced. He knows his own body and how he’s feeling physically and mentally.

“All I can say is I’d hope to see him play forever because he’s just a joy to watch.”