Ryan Giggs will not retire too early

Scholes called time on his professional career last summer and settled into a coaching role with United's reserve team - only to return in January after a plea from manager Sir Alex Ferguson to help ease his midfield struggles.

Giggs considered retirement last season during a frustrating spell out of the team but has remained part of Ferguson's squad throughout and is set for his 900th appearance for the club in Thursday's Europa League clash with Ajax.

And he told the Daily Telegraph: "When to retire is difficult. Do you quit too early or go that one too many games and let people see you on the slide? Retirement is just a decision that I have to take my time with because I feel different after each game.

"He (Scholes) was missing it and it's no secret that me, (Gary Neville) and a few other people felt that he had finshed too early, but who where we to know?

"We wanted him to carry on but he'd made his decision quite early and it was probably too early, which I think he accepts now. Who knows? Maybe he'll carry on next year."

Giggs could be in contention for selection as one of Great Britain boss Stuart Pearce's over-age players for the London 2012 Olympics football tournament.

He would have to clear it with the Football Association of Wales first, with the home nations aside from England having expressed opposition to a united team.

"I haven't thought about the Olympics too much but nearer the time, I am obviously going to have to," Giggs said. "First of all, I have to get picked - there are a lot of players vying for 20-odd spots - (and then there) is another obstacle: will it affect Wales in the future?

"If it does, then it will be an easy decision for me to make. If it comes to the time when the likes of myself, Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey are picked, it is something we will have to speak to the FAW about, but I hope (it doesn't become an issue)."

Giggs attributes his longevity to the switch from his long-time left-wing role into the centre of midfield in recent years.

"Moving in to central midfield has definitely helped me," he said. "I had a taste of what it was like on the wing against Liverpool on Saturday and it's just completely different because you are up and down all the time."