Shy Scholes slips away

United's Paul Scholes (centre right) is greeted by team-mate Oliveira Anderson as he is substituted.

PAUL Scholes was happy for his retirement to slip under the radar on the day Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson also bid farewell to Old Trafford.

United’s Saddleworth-dwelling midfielder has announced his retirement for a second time, having resumed his career in January 2012 after initially quitting the game at the end of the 2010–11 season.

He is notoriously media–shy and joked the news surrounding Ferguson's retirement after more than 26 years in charge at United – plus continued speculation about Wayne Rooney's future – had given him the opportunity to leave quietly.

"It couldn't be any better, could it?" Athletic fan Scholes said. “It's the perfect weekend for me. My last game and I will just slip under the radar and off I go."

The 38 year old made his 717th Manchester United appearance against Swansea. He revealed there will be no changing his mind about retirement this time.

"I think this is it. I'm sure this is it," Scholes said. "I'm totally convinced.

“I was convinced last time to be honest with you. At the time you are, but I know now in my head that I have gone as far as I possibly can physically. This is the end. Again."

Scholes has made only a handful of appearances this year after suffering a knee injury in January. He last played in the Premier League last December.

Scholes has an enviable record in the game: 11 Premier League titles, three FA Cups, two League Cups, five Community Shields and two Champions League titles with the club.

The player has left with the respect of Ferguson and current United star Robin Van Persie, among many others: "Scholesy is unbelievable," said the Dutchman.

"When I first came to England I saw things I never saw before from players like Bergkamp, Henry and Pires. Since I came here, I have that feeling again. Scholesy can do things I have never seen in my life."