Mike Duxbury thinks Gary Neville is as important as United's flair players.
"Gary is the type of player who until he is not playing people don't fully realise or recognise his importance and value to a team," Duxbury said.
"He is so dependable and efficient when he is playing out there. When you become a part of the furniture, your job just tends to get accepted as the norm.
"You get new players coming in, exciting players and the focus is on them. People tend to forget the regulars and what they give you.
"Gary has been a part of the fabric of the club for a very long time and sometimes what you contribute gets taken for granted.
"The manager won't do that - and maybe other players won't - but critics and fans can forget your value.
"It only hits you again when a player like that isn't in the side and people start saying: `We're missing Gary Neville.' I think that is what has happened in Gary's case. Everyone has been focused on Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo coming back and undoubtedly they have been missed. But equally Gary has been a big miss for Sir Alex Ferguson. He is such a good organiser and is vocal too. I think United have lacked that input to what has been a slowish start to the Premiership season.
"In all fairness to Wes Brown, who has been deputising at right-back, he is not a natural in that role and he appears to be on the quiet side.
"I think when Gary is fit, he will be straight back for United."
However he thinks the form of Micah Richards may stop Neville getting back in the England team.
"Everyone is talking very highly of Micah Richards, and I have to say he has greatly impressed me," Duxbury added.
"There have been challenges to Gary before at international level but I think this is going to be the toughest one so far.
"Micah has a physical strength and presence about him. Nobody will knock him off the ball but he can bounce people off it. That physical stature is a huge plus for him. He is athletic and quick.
"Where Gary has the edge is the quality of his passing and delivery of crosses.
"To have those two fighting it out is a very healthy situation for England. It's a tough call saying who should actually get the vote when they are both fit, and one that I am glad I don't have to make for real.
"But when Gary is back in United's side then I would go with his vast experience."