With Ryan Giggs one of seven players sidelined through injury, Scholes takes on the role of elder statesman on Wednesday as United resume their Champions League quest in Marseille. The 36-year-old has seen old friend Gary Neville retire and Giggs sign a one-year deal in the past couple of weeks but has yet to decide what to do himself. Scholes is dubious about the impact he has at Old Trafford given his dwindling number of appearances. However, Ferguson has no reservations about the feisty midfielder's contribution to the United cause. "I am more than hopeful about Paul signing another contract," said Ferguson. "I think he should. "His fitness isn't in question. I think Paul feels he has to play all the games. "It is not a bad thing to be that way but at his age, that is impossible. "But he can still play a big part for Manchester United, this season and next." Given the sheer scale of United's injury list, Scholes is virtually certain to anchor a midfield charged with ensuring the visitors remain firm in the face of what is expected to be a volatile atmosphere at the 60,000-capacity Stade Velodrome. Rio Ferdinand's absence means Chris Smalling will partner skipper Nemanja Vidic in central defence at the start of an intense period of games that continues with Premier League trips to Wigan, Liverpool and Chelsea, before United must face either Arsenal or Leyton Orient in the FA Cup sixth round. "We have an important few weeks coming, there is no question about that," said Ferguson. "We are just starting four away games on the run, which is a great challenge for us. "They are all fantastic matches but it is a time we should enjoy. They are big games and in that situation, the players don't let us down often." However, Ferguson concedes a Marseille side coached by Didier Deschamps will not be easily overcome, even though it is his side - fourth favourites for the competition - who are odds-on to reach the last eight. "It is the press or the bookmakers who decide things like that," he reflected. "Who the favourites are doesn't concern us or Marseille. "The Champions League this season is very open. There are a number of teams that can win it. The opportunity is there for anyone in the last 16." As Ferguson pointed out, United have too much going for them at present for their season to be defined by this one competition alone. However, the Scot does accept the unique nature of a competition he has won twice, in 1999 and 2008, but suffered the huge disappointment of defeat to Barcelona in 2009. "We want to do well in it," he said. "We have great expectations. We have to play six games to qualify and always look at getting those 10 points. "But tomorrow is when the competition really starts for us." With so many men out, Wayne Rooney is almost certain to be deployed in a wide role, with Dimitar Berbatov a lone striker flanked by in-form Nani on his right. Ferguson will never forget the way Cristiano Ronaldo lit up United's 2008 campaign, scoring the last of his 42 goals against Chelsea in the final. Nani might never quite hit those heights. But the United boss is delighted with the progress his current winger has made. "He has been fantastic this season," he said. "He has scored goals and created them. He has made an amazing contribution. "Nani was older than Cristiano was when he came to us. "But Cristiano went on to become the best player in the world. The challenge for any player is to improve as much as that. "Nani is showing signs of it at the moment."
