Sir Alex's England jibe over Scholes

Paul Scholes: has retired from international football

14 April 2012

Sir Alex Ferguson took a swipe at England by saying that Paul Scholes did not feel he would be "missing anything" by giving up his international career.

The Manchester United manager said he had discussed the player's international future as far back as the beginning of last season.

Speaking after United's 1-0 Vodafone Cup win over Dutch side PSV Eindhoven at Old Trafford last night, Ferguson said: "It's straightforward - he wants to spend more time with his family. I spoke to Paul nearly a year ago about it when he came to see me and wanted to think about it.

"At the end of the season, before he left he said he'd speak to Sven (Goran Eriksson) about it and he did that and he's come to his decision. Paul has made a great contribution to England and I don't think he feels he's missing anything now.

"I think 66 caps is beyond an average international career, he is going out at the top and we respect his decision."

Ferguson went on to dismiss reports from Spain that United striker Diego Forlan was set for a loan move to Levante.

Ferguson said: "I'm sure they are interested but they will not be getting him."

The United boss is set to name a different team tomorrow when United play their next Vodafone Cup clash, against Urawa Red Diamonds.

He added: "I will field an entirely different team. Scholes, (Darren) Fletcher and possibly (Quinton) Fortune may come into it. We'll try to go for freshness again and they are the ones who need to play."

Meanwhile, England captain David Beckham has paid tribute to Scholes.

Beckham, now with Real Madrid after leaving United, said: "I played with Paul since I was 15 and he's one of his country's best-ever players.

"I respect him as a person and player and wish him all the best." An intensely private man, devoted to his wife and young family, Scholes has become increasingly disillusioned with life on the international scene and wondered whether it was worth the amount of time he was spending away from home.

He was unhappy about being away from home during the recent European Championships and with criticism of his performances from outside the England camp, the 29-year-old questioned his long-term future to the team.

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