Scholes had already made his mind up to end his stellar career before that chastening night at Wembley last month when Manchester United were on the wrong end of a brilliant performance from one of the best club sides of all time. However, rather than merely accept his fate, Scholes knows Ferguson's thirst for honours will ensure United give everything in the challenge to catch the Catalans. "If it was just based on that one game, I think 15 of us would have retired," he chuckled. "It actually just makes you think that is the level you need to get to. "It is certainly not pointless trying to get there. "The challenge for Manchester United will always be to be the best in Europe. "You don't settle for second best at this club." Ferguson has already made a start by securing the services of defender Phil Jones on a five-year contract. Having matched Blackburn's £16.5million buyout clause last week, United were forced to wait a few days before Rovers' owners realised holding out for extra cash from elsewhere was futile. "Much as we would love him to stay on with us - and we made all efforts to convince him to stay - Phil has to finally follow his heart," said a statement on behalf of the Rovers' owners, directors and manager, released on www.rovers.co.uk. On Twitter, Jones described it as "a once in a lifetime opportunity" although it is debatable whether the 19-year-old will spend all his United career working for Ferguson, as Scholes has done. It is some achievement given Scholes made over 650 appearances and won 10 Premier League titles. Yet he feels longevity is one of the secrets behind United's continued dominance of the English game. "You have to give credit to the people who run this club," said Scholes. "Chelsea have just sacked their manager a year after doing the double. "Sticking with people is the best thing to do but not many clubs seem to be following United. "That is all the better for us. If these teams keep sacking managers that is great." Ferguson did not want to lose Scholes, just as he would have been quite happy for Edwin van der Sar to remain for another season. However, the twin departures are part of a summer of change at Old Trafford. In addition to Jones, Ashley Young and David de Gea appear certain to join the Red Devils. And of those currently at the club, Bebe is in talks with Besiktas over a loan move, whilst Darron Gibson is on the verge of completing a switch to Sunderland, where Danny Welbeck just enjoyed an excellent loan spell.
