Gabriel Heinze has demanded a place in the Manchester
United first-team, if he is not to leave the club.
Heinze has been linked with a transfer to United's Premier League
rivals Liverpool, but Old Trafford manager Sir Alex Ferguson has
previously dismissed the move and is confident the Argentine
defender will report for pre-season training.
However, Heinze, who is on a short break before returning to action
after competing in the Copa America, has now stated that he
deserves a United starting role.
"I will only leave if Alex Ferguson says to my face I do not enter
in his plans," Heinze told the News of the World.
"I don't consider myself inferior to anyone.
"This is a delicate subject, especially for the fans.
"I believe that to leave United for Liverpool would not be
understood by them."
Heinze has made 75 United starts since a £6.9million move from
Paris Saint Germain in 2004, but last season he lost his place in
Ferguson's first-team to Patrice Evra.