Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says Dimitar Berbatov knows he is key part of their plans.

Omitted from the final 18 against Barcelona, the Bulgarian was an unused sub away to Benfica.

"Of course he does," said Sir Alex, when asked if Berbatov still has a big part to play at United. "He's one of our squad members and they all have a part to play in the context of the number of games you have in the Premier League, the Champions League, the League Cup and FA Cup. It's an exhausting season unless you use your squad."

"I don't need to reassure Dimitar. He knows he's a part of the squad and that applies to many players here at this moment in time. Federico Macheda, Mame Diouf and Michael Owen haven't played regularly either but Saturday's game was only our sixth in the league and we've had the Benfica and Leeds matches. So it's still early doors. There's plenty of time."