Sir Alex Ferguson has long-term plans for his veteran superstars, three of whom could follow Ole Gunnar Solskjaer into the backroom staff at Old Trafford…

Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville will never leave Old Trafford according to Sir Alex Ferguson.

The veteran trio have all endured a somewhat patchy seasons in terms of form and fitness while a new breed of Red Devil overruns the Old Trafford pitch.

However, just as the curtain has started to descend on three glittering careers, Fergie has grabbed the rope and hauled it back up again. He wants the trio to extend their stay and become involved in backroom capacities once they hang up their well-worn boots.

Speaking after Ryan Giggs made his landmark 100th Champions League appearance at Lyon, Ferguson wants his aging stars to follow Ole Gunnar Solskjaer into coaching.

“All players that have had long careers at the club, when they get to this stage - Ryan’s 34 now - they start thinking about what they want to do when they finish,” explained Ferguson.

“Obviously with players like Ryan, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, they’ll follow the pattern of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer; I’m sure of that.

“It’s something we were looking at in terms of a future with us in relation to a position at the club because they have been fantastic examples to us.

“If they take their coaching badges, I think it’s a further addition in terms of what they have to offer.

“Because there’s no doubt that personality wise, experience and lifestyle, these guys have been perfect.”

Nothing For Granted

The wily gaffer has more pressing concerns, though, with at trip to Newcastle looming at the weekend.

“We’ve no injuries for the weekend,” Ferguson confirmed. “Ryan got a hard kick below the knee but he’s ok and he trained this morning.

“I won’t be taking 22 players, though, we’ll leave a couple behind.

“It’s difficult going to Newcastle at any time. It’ll be a passionate game because the fans are passionate up there.

“We won’t be taking anything for granted, you can be sure of that.”