Manchester United hero Norman Whiteside insists Sir Alex Ferguson doesn't need an talisman to lead his squad.

"People talk about Chelsea having a Frank Lampard in midfield and Liverpool having a Steven Gerrard but I don't think United have a single player who stands head and shoulders above the rest," Whiteside told the Manchester Evening News.

"But that is not a criticism it is a plus for United. There isn't a player on the next level but they are all great midfielders. They are all on a level pegging.

"Ability-wise it is as strong as any midfield in the country. Numbers-wise it is probably even better. Sir Alex Ferguson has some very talented players in there at his disposal but he doesn't have a Bryan Robson or a Roy Keane. The ability is definitely there but there isn't a player who stands out more than anyone else.

"Those two bossed the midfield but I don't see anyone who does it on a regular basis . But it doesn't have to be an Achilles heel and I don't think it is.

"Fergie likes to rotate his midfield and already this season he has done that a lot. He gets the best players for the occasions and as long as he gets it right then there is nothing wrong with it."