The veteran pair have proved in the last couple of weeks they can still make a major contribution despite their advancing years.

Giggs has been producing top quality performances all season and, while Scholes raised doubt over his own longevity last week, he has since inspired the Red Devils to victory against both West Ham and Wolfsburg.

So, rather than contemplating the end of their careers, the pair can look forward to tonight's encounter with Aston Villa knowing the future is secure.

"Ryan will be offered a new contract for next season, which is an indication of what we think of him coming up to 37 next season, and Paul knows he will be offered one as well," confirmed Ferguson.

The most remarkable feature of Giggs' career is how unaffected he seems to be by all the adulation he has received.

Thrust into the limelight at such a young age, the former Welsh skipper flirted with the attention David Beckham has grabbed so assiduously and decided it was not for him.

"Ryan is an example to young people," said Ferguson.

"He has humility and he has never changed and I think he is having his best years now.

"He has retained that amazing quality in his game and also an enthusiasm to play."

Like Giggs, Scholes has never changed either. He was never fond of the spotlight and still hates it, preferring to get back to his family in Saddleworth at the earliest available opportunity rather than endorse products and maximise his commercial earnings.

He is also acutely aware of the impact he makes on a football field and - as he did with England in 2004 - perfectly capable of turning his back on parts of his career without a second thought.

It is why last week's self-analysis was interpreted as clearing the way for retirement, even if it was not quite what he intended.

"I spoke to Paul and he said he didn't actually say he was thinking of his future," said Ferguson.

"When you get to that age every player starts to think about what the future holds for him.

"But when you see Paul's performances at West Ham and in Wolfsburg last week there is no reason to think he can't do it again next year."