Pique playing waiting game

Pique: Waiting his turn

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Gerard Pique remains confident of breaking into Manchester United's first-team despite limited opportunities thus far.

The Spanish U21 international was farmed out on loan to Real Zaragoza last season in order for him to gain valuable experience, but since returning to Old Trafford he has once again found himself kicking his heels in the reserves.

Just eight appearances in all competitions for Sir Alex Ferguson's side this season shows how sparsely the defender has been used, but rather than moan about the situation, Pique admits that he is prepared to knuckle down and force his way into the first-team reckoning.

He accepts that the current defensive partnership of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic is one of the best in the business and for the moment is happy just to have the opportunity to learn from two seasoned professionals.

Quality

"They complement each other very well," Pique told Inside United.

"They're two of the best centre-backs in the world, both strong in the air and good on the ball. And they show their qualities all the time, not only in games, but every day in training. They're always striving to improve.

"I know I have to work just as hard, if not harder than they do if I want to play and that's what I'm trying to do.

Learning

"You can look at it both ways.

"In one way, it's frustrating because I'd like to be playing every week, but at the same time I'm learning from two of the best.

"I'm confident my chance will arrive. So I have no problem with it."