As Manchester United completed the formalities on their 2-0 FA Cup quarter-final win over Arsenal at Old Trafford at the weekend one of the club’s longest serving players was handed a run out- much to the throaty appreciation of the United contingent within the stadium. Paul Scholes was only given ten minutes at the end of the tie to stretch his legs yet could justifiably have received his marching orders for two absurdly aggressive tackles.

This is not something new from United’s fiery midfielder. His propensity to make silly challenges has been in evidence for well over a decade, and whilst it has been laughed off as merely being “part of the Paul Scholes package” it must have caused Sir Alex Ferguson no end of frustration. However does last week’s cameo suggest that the curtain is coming down on his career?

Scholes’ abilities with the ball at his feet remain incredible- in between his mindless tackles, he sprayed two or three exceptional balls around Old Trafford and reminded all in attendance that he still has much to offer a club he has served with distinction for nearly 20 years.

The question is, does he want to carry on? Ryan Giggs, another of United’s long-serving players has recently signed a contract extension to take his time at the club into its 22nd year. Yet, the hunger that drives Giggs does not appear to have bitten Scholes in the same way.

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Obviously to have played at the top level for as long as he has hints at an incredibly dedicated professional, but whilst Giggs has appeared willing to extend his contract year on year, Scholes has taken considerable persuasion to extend his own playing career.

International retirement in 2004 had a premature air to it, as Scholes, at the age of 29 appeared content to see out the remaining years of his career free from the burden of the circus that is associated with the national side.

There was a story earlier in the season that suggested the midfielder would have made a return to international colours for last summer’s World Cup, had Fabio Capello asked him personally. Clearly, Scholes takes some cajoling when it comes to these big decisions.

At the time of writing, Scholes is yet to put pen to paper on a deal that would prolong his stay at his boyhood club until the summer of 2012. His decision could well have a major impact on Ferguson’s transfer policy over the summer, and some player’s in the United set-up, Darron Gibson and Owen Hargreaves in particular, may well see their long-term futures at Old Trafford hinge on his next move.

Ferguson will have seen Scholes’ latest appearance as time to force the midfielder’s hand. There is no suggestion that another year at the top is beyond the redheaded playmaker, but concerns about whether he would have the drive to carry on for another twelve months are hardly going to fade away.

Whilst one United stalwart is applauded at every ground he visits and is lauded from every section of the press box, Paul Scholes’ achievements have almost slipped under the radar. If we are entering into the final weeks of the man’s career, I’m sure many would want to pay tribute to a player that has lit up the Premier League since his debut in 1994. As is the Scholes way, however, don’t expect an announcement any time soon.

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