Sir Alex Ferguson has told the squad's fringe players not to get
disheartened by a lack of games, insisting their patience will be
rewarded.
Competition for places is fierce within a United squad further
bolstered by the signings of Owen Hargreaves, Nani, Anderson and
Carlos Tevez.
Although the departures of Alan Smith, Gabriel Heinze, Kieran
Richardson and Giuseppe Rossi, plus the retirement of Ole Gunnar
Solskjaer, have reduced numbers slightly, Sir Alex remains spoilt
for choice for his starting eleven when everyone is fit.
The United boss maintains that every player will be given their
chance to shine this season and is confident they will reap their
rewards by remaining patient.
"We have to have players here who understand the dynamics of the
operation of the club. When were going for everything, some of
them will have to be patient. Theyre going to get chances, and
play games, and in those matches they can be important players," he
told Inside United Magazine.
"Its a challenge for me and the staff to make sure were being
fair and picking the right team. Its also a challenge for the
players to show loyalty to us, and if they dont think that were
being fair, then they have every right to come and see me. The door
is always open.
"Look at players like Phil Neville and Nicky Butt. For three or
four years they werent regular starters, but they loved the club,
they were patient and prepared to accept that they wouldnt play
every game, but they always got 20-odd games a season. You cant do
it forever, and you have to be fair to them, and let them move on
when they want to.
"I mean, Nicky and Phil can sit back and think: Ive got eight or
nine medals from my time there, which is a fantastic
achievement."
"Nicky played in the European Cup final, mainly because of the
suspensions of Keane and Scholes. Phil played in the 1996 FA Cup
final against Liverpool, Gary didnt make that one, he was on the
subs bench. Those are great rewards for being patient."
Sir Alex also has an abundance of young talent on which to call
upon following the return of a number of the players from loan
spells.
"I think weve got a terrific bunch with Dong, Campbell, Martin,
Gibson, Eagles who has come on unbelievably well Pique, Evans,
Simpson
theyre all excellent," said the boss.
"The hardest thing will be to manage the situation, but we have
plans thatll ensure they get enough football."