Football: Scholes does not expect United return, wants Rooney to deliver on big stage

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes (seen here assisting interim manager Ryan Giggs last season) has said in a blog post he does not expect to return to Old Trafford as part of new coach Louis van Gaal's set-up for the new season. -- PHOTO: AFP
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes (seen here assisting interim manager Ryan Giggs last season) has said in a blog post he does not expect to return to Old Trafford as part of new coach Louis van Gaal's set-up for the new season. -- PHOTO: AFP

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes does not expect to return to Old Trafford next season as part of Louis van Gaal's coaching setup.

The former England midfielder had assisted caretaker manager Ryan Giggs for the final four matches last season after David Moyes' sacking, but said he had yet to hear from United vice-chairman Ed Woodward on a possible role under the new regime.

"I came back for Ryan for the last few games to try to help out but I'm not waiting for a phone call and don't expect to be at Old Trafford next season," Scholes said in a blog post for Irish bookmaker Paddy Power.

"Woodward has an awful lot to prove this time that he's good enough at his job. He has to bring the players in that the new manager wants. It's obvious that last year he didn't manage to do that. If he doesn't, we are not going to get anywhere near the top."

The Red Devils icon warned incoming boss van Gaal of a "massive task" to rebuild the ailing English giants, recommending Bayern Munich playmaker Toni Kroos as his first signing.

Scholes, 39, said: "There's a big gap to fill to catch Man City, Chelsea and Liverpool. United are a long way behind. If van Gaal gets them to the Champions League, it'll be a start."

On England star Wayne Rooney, Scholes believes - given the amount of matches the 28-year-old has already clocked in his career - the United striker is best suited for a deeper central midfield role if he wants to play into his late thirties.

For now, Rooney, who has 38 goals in 89 internationals but has yet to find the net in eight World Cup games, must get on the scoresheet at next month's edition in Brazil.

Scholes said: "You expect more of him. If Wayne is going to be one of the best footballers in the world, this World Cup is where he has to produce."

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