Paul Scholes believes Manchester United’s bright young things are more than capable of retaining the European Cup. The former England midfielder claims they will only be stronger for the experience of lifting the trophy last season when Chelsea were defeated on penalties in Moscow.

With United also winning the Barclays Premier League for a second successive year, Scholes, 33, is energised by what the future may hold. He is convinced that players like Cristiano Ronaldo (23), Wayne Rooney (22), Carlos Tevez (24), Anderson (20) and Nani (21) can only improve at Old Trafford.

“It is an exciting time and a good time to be involved," Scholes said. “The young players coming through are only going to be better next year for the experience they’ve had. Everyone who came in to the team last year played a massive part in our achievements.

“It is a big ask [retaining the Champions League] but I feel we can only go from strength to strength.”

Scholes is heartened by the way the young players apply themselves when they are severely tested. “It is one thing having the talent and doing it in training every day but you have got to do it where it matters," he said. “Thankfully we have the players who can do that - young lads who do not seemed to be fazed by anything. They are very confident and look forward to the big games.

“Hopefully we can get off to a good start and a good finish by winning more trophies.”

Scholes, who feels Chelsea will again be their main challengers, dismissed his own contribution last season as “okay”. But one of his two goals in the campaign - a thunderbolt against Barcelona - propelled United into the Champions League final. “I would have liked to have scored a lot more but sometimes it does not happen for you,” he said.

However, such is the esteem in which Scholes is held, many people believe he could still do a job for England. Scholes, though, appears happy in his international retirement - and feels Fabio Capello could just make a difference to the national side. “I watched the European Championships and obviously it would have been good to see England there,” Scholes said. “Hopefully though they will make it to the World Cup in two years’ time. Capello is a very experienced man who has been all over the world coaching.”