Anderson keen to fill Scholes' shoes

There is enough quality in the Manchester United (13/8 Premier League Outright 2011/12) squad already that they do not need a big-money replacement for Paul Scholes, according to Anderson.

The veteran former England man retired at the end of United's Premier League title-winning campaign last season and Sir Alex Ferguson has been linked with a whole host of replacements.

Luka Modric and Samir Nasri have both been on the boss' radar, while any interest in Wesley Sneijder seems to have been cooled by Ferguson, as he plans for life without the 36-year-old United legend.

Anderson, who continues to grow into a first-team regular during his time at Old Trafford, reckons United's strength in depth will be enough to fill the void by Scholes (United 5/4 to win Community Shield, Man City 2/1, draw 9/4).

He told Sky Sports he "learnt a lot" from his former colleague, who he hailed as "the best midfielder in the world".

"Scholes was amazing, a legend, but it means more opportunity, more space for me," added the Brazilian.

"I think Scholes was very important for the team as he had amazing quality, but I think everyone together can take his position."

Meanwhile, Michael Owen, 31, claims Ferguson has told him he has a "big part to play" in United's coming season, after signing a new one-year contract extension to remain at Old Trafford.