LONDON: Long-serving Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes announced his retirement for a second time on Saturday -- just days after veteran manager Alex Ferguson said he would be standing down at the end of the season.

Former England international Scholes, 38, first quit in 2011 to take up a position on United's coaching staff but returned to first team action in January last year.

“Yes, I am finally hanging up my boots for good,” said Scholes, who is expected to make his first appearance since January in Sunday's Premier League match against Swansea at Old Trafford -- Ferguson's final home match as United manager.