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Paul Scholes celebrated his 38th birthday on Friday as he continues to flourish in the Manchester United midfield.
The former England international came out of retirement earlier this year and remains a key component of Sir Alex Ferguson's side, albeit on a bit-part basis.
But few outfield players lace up their boots in the Premier League into their 40s - only Gordon Strachan and Teddy Sheringham to be precise. Can Scholes carry on for another two more years?
Back where it started: Paul Scholes made his Manchester United debut against Port Vale in September 1994
Paul Scholes factfile
Born: 16 November 1974, Salford
Man United debut: 21 September 1994, v Port Vale, League Cup (scores two goals)
Man United honours: 10 Premier League titles; three FA Cups; two League Cups; five Community Shields; two Champions League titles
England caps (goals): 66 (14)
At 38, Scholes is in good company with a host of players having made it that far, including Bryan Robson, his current United team-mate Ryan Giggs and Mark Hughes.
Of course, goalkeepers are a different story. John Burridge is the oldest player to appear in the top flight at 43 while Brad Friedel is still going strong at 41.
Ferguson meanwhile is in no rush to sort out Scholes' United future but the chances of him carrying on has not been completely dismissed.
Happy days: Scholes has helped United to a string of trophies during his time at Old Trafford
Current old guard
Brad Friedel (Tottenham) 41
Mark Schwarzer (Fulham) 40
Ryan Giggs (Man United) 38
Brynjar Gunnarsson (Reading) 37
Rory Delap (Stoke City) 36
Ian Harte (Reading) 35
'It is not a time to make a judgment on that,' said Ferguson. 'Paul will know himself.
'He still has the desire to play. That has not stopped.
'He is still the best passer of the ball in the country. It is amazing.
'He has had one or two injuries over the years, quit last summer and came back.
'He made a fantastic contribution in the second half of the season and I just think he should keep doing what he is doing. He will sort the rest out himself.'
He's back! Scholes came out of retirement in January this year against rivals Manchester City
Fellow midfielder Michael Carrick - set to make the 400th league appearance of his career this weekend - believes Scholes has had a major effect on him.
'It is fantastic to play with Paul Scholes,' Carrick told the club's official website.
'He is a genius. We all know what he can do. A lot of them you simply cannot teach.
Golden oldies: Scholes with United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and team-mate Ryan Giggs
'You can learn and take things from his game, as I have done since I have been here. Whether he realises or not, he has helped me enormously just by watching him and taking things in.
'But there are some things only he can do. It is fabulous to play with him. I have enjoyed it immensely since I came here.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2234237/Paul-Scholes-38--play-on.html#ixzz2CS1xinnY
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