Every match is a bonus — Scholes

Paul Scholes does not know when his career might end — or whether he might take up coaching.

What he does know is that, at 35, he will continue to savour every game for Manchester United, who kick off their Premier League campaign against Newcastle at Old Trafford on Monday.

The Saddleworth-based midfielder, who made his debut for United in September, 1994, has a year to run on his contract after agreeing an extension last season.

This summer he built up his fitness during United's five–match summer tour which took in Canada, USA and Mexico.

And he played a starring role in United’s 3-1 Community Shield victory over Chelsea at Wembley on Sunday.

Scholes knows, however, the work had to be put in as this might be his season in United colours.

He said: "I suppose it depends on performances and how you play. I did go through last season thinking 'this might be the last time I played against this team' or stuff like that.

"But I just don't know. My performances will decide when I finish.

"When I physically cannot play any more in this team, I know that will be it and I will have enjoyed my time playing.

"Every time you play well, you think it might be the last time you do it. You do enjoy them a bit more.

"From being young and first getting into the squad I think you just presume everyone would finish at 35.

"Whatever you do after that is a bonus. At the end of last season I felt okay. Hopefully this season I will do as well."

Scholes, who is nearing 650 appearances for United, is already feeling his way in coaching and took a clinic in Florida during the summer.

That is in the future for Scholes – the present concerns regaining the Barclays Premier League title from Chelsea in the coming season.

He is ready for the challenge with fellow veterans Ryan Giggs and club captain Gary Neville at his side.

"Do we feed off each other? I suppose so, a little bit," he said.

"The three of us know we have to look after ourselves maybe more than we have done in the past."