Redknapp aims to derail United again

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp can't wait to extend his impressive record against Manchester United in Monday's Premier League clash at Fratton Park.

Redknapp has enjoyed several famous victories over United during his spells in charge at Bournemouth, West Ham and now Portsmouth and he expects his side to give Sir Alex Ferguson's champions a tough time again.

Pompey knocked United out of last season's FA Cup en route to winning the competition and held them to a draw in the Community Shield earlier this month before losing the penalty shoot-out.

Redknapp is relishing their latest meeting. "Any time you play United is always special, they are a special team," he said.

"We have a good record against them and I have not lost to them at home in two spells as manager.

"We will not be taking anything for granted because they have players like Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez who on their day are among the best in the world.

"We played them in the Community Shield and Chelsea last weekend and in all honesty there is not much to choose between the two teams. They will be the sides to beat again."

Meanwhile, Paul Scholes has vowed to play on at United for at least two more seasons after turning his back on an England return.

Scholes is being called to come out of international retirement following England's disappointing 2-2 draw with the Czech Republic on Wednesday.

Speaking ahead of United's trip to FA Cup winners Portsmouth on Monday, Scholes revealed he turned down an offer from Steve McClaren to resume his international career and says he would also reject any approach from Fabio Capello.

Scholes who won the last of his 66 caps against Portugal at Euro 2004, said: "A couple of years ago I did think about coming out of retirement.

"I spoke to Steve McClaren a couple of times about it when he became the new coach and considered it quite strongly for a while.

"When Steve was appointed he rang and asked me to return. Just the fact the England manager had rung and asked me to come back and play for my country meant a lot to me.

"In the end I came to the conclusion I had made the right decision in the first place and did not want to go back.

"I don't really think it was ever that close that I would say yes.

It was not about thinking it was too much or that I was not up to it, it was just the fact that when I was playing I was not enjoying it one bit.

"I have heard little bits about the new coach thinking of asking me but I have not spoken to him. My answer would be the same." Despite closing the door on England, Scholes insists he has no plans to call an end to his club career.

The 33-year-old, who needs four more goals to reach 100 in the Premier League, said: "I will carry on as long as I can. As long as I feel I am still contributing to United I want to carry on.

"If I feel I can still be of worth I will carry on. If not I will go.

"I am sure the manager will say something as well. If he turns round to me and says I am not doing enough any more then fair enough. That will be it.

"It is part of life. I don't worry about it. You get too old and you cannot do what you used to. You have to accept it.

"I am 34 in November and hope to still be playing at 35. Anything after that if I am still playing well and doing something for the team then it will be a bonus."

Sapa-AFP