Gary Neville urges Paul Scholes to continue playing

Gary Neville has urged old mate Paul Scholes not to quit at the end of this season.

The Manchester United midfielder is yet to confirm whether he will accept the one-year contract offer Sir Alex Ferguson made earlier this season.

Chief executive David Gill has admitted he fears Scholes may walk away with the minimum of fuss, which would be totally in character for the publicity shy 36-year-old.

Neville knows there is little chance of Scholes taking any notice of what he says.

However, he feels the former England star's position at United is far different to his own, with Neville quitting at the beginning of February.

"If you watch him play and compare that to me in my last few months, you would see there is a complete difference," said Neville.

"Having watched him, I would say carry on.

"If I had been playing at the ability level he reaches and making the contribution he still makes in games, I would have done.

"But Paul is his own man. He won't be influenced by what I say."

Scholes has featured less this campaign

Neville does expect Ferguson to have another word.

However, he suspects the eventual decision will come down to how Scholes feels his body is standing up to the strain, and whether he considers his contribution to be worthwhile.

"The manager will be speaking to him but I am sure he will come to the right decision for himself and his family," said Neville.

"I look at him as a fan now and I want to see him play.

"But Paul knows what he is going to do. He is experienced. He knows his own body and how he is feeling physically and mentally.

"Personally, I would like him play forever because he is just a joy to watch."

As a fellow member of the 'Class of 92', Scholes is already pencilled in for Neville's testimonial against Juventus next Tuesday.

Nicky Butt and Phil Neville are also confirmed, along with Ryan Giggs, while Neville is hoping David Beckham makes the trip from the United States.

"I am in contact with David," said Neville.

"It is looking positive but we still have a couple of things to sort out.

"Hopefully it will be enjoyable game for the fans and, four days before Wembley, it will be like a celebration and send-off for the lads who have done so well this season."