Paul Scholes welcomes increased competition at Manchester United

Paul Scholes has welcomed the extra competition provided by Manchester United's new signings.

The veteran midfielder has been limited to just a couple of substitute appearances so far this season despite defensive problems forcing Michael Carrick to play two games alongside Nemanja Vidic at centre-back.

Scholes is not the only one to suffer either.

Ryan Giggs is still to start a match, whilst Wayne Rooney was dropped for the encounter with Fulham last month as Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa were paired together in attack.

But the 37-year-old is not complaining.

With 10 Premier League titles under his belt, Scholes knows the best way to maximise the potential from every squad.

"You always like to see new players come in even if they're in your position because it's healthy for the team and exciting to play with the new players," he told http://www.manutd.com.

"We've got strength everywhere in the squad.

"We've struggled with injuries to defenders, but when we have everyone fit there are two teams that the manager has available to him that could compete in the Premier League and cup competitions.

"As players, we know when we get given our chance we have to take it. If you don't, you'll be out of the team, simple as that."

Robin van Persie has already made his mark with four goals following a big-money transfer from Arsenal.

Yet the shockwaves created by that move would have been equalled if United had secured the services of brilliant Brazilian Neymar, as has been reported.

Club sources insist the story is wide of the mark though and no move to sign Neymar from Santos was ever made.

Instead, Ferguson is quite happy with the contribution of Shinji Kagawa, who has settled in well following his switch from German double winners Borussia Dortmund.

In addition, United brought in Nick Powell, Alexander Buttner and Chilean striker Angelo Henriquez, who all look set to make their debuts in the eye-catching Carling Cup tie with Newcastle at Old Trafford on September 26.

"I think that will be the route," Ferguson told Inside United.

"(Henriquez) is strong with great shoulders on him for a boy of 18.

"He's coming into training with the first team, like Nick Powell.

"Nick's doing very well. He's a very good player and maybe Buttner depending on how he has progressed with the first team."

PA