…maybe not as much as action as Rio Ferdinand, but there will be opportunities to replace his teammates at certain points.
Fergie, "I'm not surprised so many Spanish clubs want him. Zaragoza tried to buy him in the summer and they offered a lot of money for him, but he has a future here. He's 20, he can play centre midfield and right back as well as his favoured position of central defence. "I have no fears for him. The course we have set is a good one, and there is absolutely no intention of letting him go.
"Gerard came through Barcelona's youth set-up with Fàbregas, who obviously made his breakthrough much younger, but we had to point out to Gerard that his physique was nothing like as advanced as Fàbregas and he has to strengthen up. That was what his loan spell was all about, strengthening up, because centre backs needs to be strong, and he and his parents understood that.
"Gerard understands perfectly well that because the form of Ferdinand and Vidic is so good and that they are such tremendous players he is going to have to wait a bit. But waiting is not a problem for a 20-year-old and there will be many more opportunities when he will play because I need to rest defenders."
Pique himself seems happy to wait for his chance, "When I went on loan last year what I wanted was experience. It was good for me, and now I am getting experience here - and I am happy. You have to think 'it is Manchester United' and they are one of the best teams in the world. The players that are here have a lot of quality, and it is very difficult to break through. You have to be patient. I want to play more games, but the boss decides."
The young Spaniard is also glad to be learning from the players around him, "They are great players, and when you play with them they give you the confidence to play your game. You know if you make a mistake you have them around you. It was a great feeling to score a goal in the first (Champions League) game you start and you help the team to win the game. We are now already qualified, and that is great for us. The last two games we can enjoy it - and try to be the first in the group."