Manchester United legend Paul Scholes is delighted with the way their young players have picked up the torch this season.

Scholes, Gary Neville and Edwin van der Sar retired in the aftermath of the record 19th title success and the Champions League Final defeat to Barcelona.

But the man United fans dubbed the 'Ginger Prince' isn't surprised that the new generation have made the transition seamless.

Scholes told the Sunday Mirror: "I knew as soon as I told the manager I was retiring that he would have a player ready to replace me.

"Lads like Danny ­Welbeck, Tom ­Cleverley, Ashley Young and Phil Jones have stepped up to the plate and are already starting to deliver.

"Down the years, ­United have lost great footballers but Sir Alex has always been able to replace them.

"Being there every week to see the great football they produce is what makes the man tick. He will love just watching them develop.

"It's incredible really. United just seem to carry on whatever ­happens. It's like a machine."