Fergie Keen For Trio To Stay

Sir Alex Ferguson wants Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs to remain at the club as coaches once their playing days are over.

The long-serving trio have all signed one-year deals that will take them to the end of next season, but the Red Devils boss says their level of experience is too good to pass up and wants them to stay at the club.

Ferguson believes the veterans can inspire young players who are coming through the United academy.

"They are the living proof for young players that the United system allows players to succeed," he told The Mail on Sunday.

"When they stop playing, they will stay. All three are taking their coaching diplomas. I don't think the club will pass up that much experience."

With futher acquisitions of 20-year-old defender Chris Smalling from Fulham and strikers Javier Hernandez and Mame Biram Diouf, aged 21 and 22 respectively, Ferguson is already looking towards the future as well as the club's bid to bring back the Premier League title to Old Trafford next season.

"I anticipate over time the departures of the souls of the club, and the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Wes Brown, who are over 30. Nemanja Vidic has had some physical problems," said Ferguson.

"Chris Smalling has huge potential as a centre-half, and he's only 20. In two or three years' time he'll be at the top. As for Mame Biram Diouf, you have to watch hundreds of strikers before you find one who can win matches.

"When you find him, you sign him."