Gabriel Obertan is desperate to prove his worth to Manchester United but accepts time spent on the bench is all part of the learning process. The 21-year-old joined from Bordeaux in the summer of 2009 and has only been given limited opportunities by Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
"I am at Manchester United to improve," the Frenchman told L'Equipe.
"I would prefer to play all the time, but I am not panicking. At a club like this, there is no reason for me to be impatient.
"My time will come. On Nani's side it might be difficult, but on the other wing there might be an opportunity.
"I have been ill recently so I would be surprised to make the starting XI against Birmingham (on Tuesday). But Nani has been injured and Park (Ji-sung) is set to leave for the Asian Cup, so there might be a chance for me."
Obertan has spoken to Ferguson who has assured him of his importance in the squad.
"Sometimes he speaks to me," added Obertan.
"The last time he told me not to be worried and that I would get opportunities before the New Year.
"He has also asked me to be more focused inside the box, to finish my work better.
"It is frustrating sometimes on the bench, but I know I am improving. I would not swap places for anything in the world."
