By Gary Spate
July 31 2003

MANCHESTER United star Paul Scholes has issued a warning to Sir Alex Ferguson. Should he be left on the bench this season, he's quitting Old Trafford. Scholes' warning is a mirror image of the David Beckham situation last season when he found himself sitting out a portion of last season missing crucial games for the Red Devils. It is no secret that this was porbably one of the primary reasons for his £25million departure to Real Madrid.

It is unlikely that Scholes will find himself in the same position Beckham was forced into, he refuses to take his spot for granted.

"You never think about leaving but you always know there is a chance it might happen," said the 28-year-old. "Circumstances change. You don't want to be hanging about if you are not playing well, can't get into the team and find yourself as a substitute every week.

"But at the moment I am happy where I am and in an ideal world I would like to stay with Manchester United for the rest of my career. The problem is ideals don't always become reality.

"David leaving hasn't made me feel more vulnerable, it's part of the game. Not many players stay with one club throughout their career. It's something you get used to and we will carry on as normal, just as we have when other players have gone before."