Paul Scholes has been told he can play on for another two years with United, according to his former Old Trafford team-mate Nicky Butt.
The pair formed a formidable midfield combination for well over a decade under the guidance of Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson, delivering a host of silverware.
Butt wasn't in the least bit surprised to see his long-term friend decide to come out of retirement last month, and is convinced the 37-year-old has plenty of life still in him to make a telling contribution.
He admits that Scholes is still keeping everyone guessing as to whether he will again call it a day at the end of this season, or decide to play on for another year.
The United veteran is fully-expected to be in the line-up to face Liverpool at home this Saturday, and Butt is confident Scholes will do what is right for both him and the club in the decision-making process.
"I don't know what Paul is really thinking. If he thinks it is time to finish again that's what he will do," Butt declared. "If he believes he can go on then he will. The way he is playing at the moment then surely he must be thinking he can play on beyond the end of the season.
"He might pick up an injury or he might lose form but the way he is playing at the moment he has to be considering playing on.
"I have known Paul since he was 12 and I would like to think he would tell me if he knew. But I think he just wants to get the next three months out of the way and see.
"I believe he can play for another 12 months without doubt and maybe even two years. Every time I have seen him play since he came back he has been very good."