Manchester United academy chief Paul McGuinness says Paul Scholes has been an ideal mentor for their latest group of youngsters.

Scholes has become a mentor and shining example to the new kids on the Old Trafford block.

"Learning from older players is good and we had paradise at the start of the season because we had Paul Scholes training with the youth squad," Reds' Youth team coach McGuinness told the Manchester Evening News.

"You don't really have to say anything - you just have to say 'there you go, look at that.' It was amazing to have him training with us.

"You can't buy that experience. It doesn't get any better. You hope it sinks in by osmosis. One of the biggest things missing in youth development now is the chance for the youngsters to play alongside older players in the reserves regularly or against them.

"That is the one single thing that is having a big affect on the development of English players. You cannot play in your own age group all your life. You need the experience against and with older players.

"So to have Scholesy in there was brilliant for this group. He was an example to them on how you train, how you behave. He is one of the greatest professionals we have had and to have that training with you is fantastic.

"You cannot beat that as an education tool because, as far as I am concerned, he was one of the greatest players ever.

"You watch him in the first team now and he has made an impact."