Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson doesn't believe midfielder Paul Scholes regrets retiring from the England setup.

Scholes quit the England scene following Euro 2004 even though he had yet to reach his 30th birthday.

Fabio Capello never made any attempt to change the midfielder's mind, knowing it was futile.

Steve McClaren tried more than once, but Ferguson never felt that was likely either, knowing it was not a decision Scholes would ever have cause to regret, even if England win the World Cup this summer.

"I don't think Paul's the type the feel bitter about that or feel he'd lost something in his life," said Ferguson.

"He made his decision based on his family and I think it helped him for the initial couple of years after he retired from the international scene.

"But he had a great career at that level. He should have no recriminations because it's allowed him to move his career on here to the extent that we've given him a new contract.

"Age always comes into it and Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes are not going to last forever.

"But they're defying everyone at the moment in terms of their durability and enthusiasm to play. How they've looked after themselves has been critical and a monumental part of why they're still here."