Gabriel Heinze has demanded a place in the Manchester United first-team, if he is not to leave the club.
Heinze has been linked with a transfer to United's Premier League rivals Liverpool, but Old Trafford manager Sir Alex Ferguson has previously dismissed the move and is confident the Argentine defender will report for pre-season training.
However, Heinze, who is on a short break before returning to action after competing in the Copa America, has now stated that he deserves a United starting role.
"I will only leave if Alex Ferguson says to my face I do not enter in his plans," Heinze told the News of the World.
"I don't consider myself inferior to anyone.
"This is a delicate subject, especially for the fans.
"I believe that to leave United for Liverpool would not be understood by them."
Heinze has made 75 United starts since a £6.9million move from Paris Saint Germain in 2004, but last season he lost his place in Ferguson's first-team to Patrice Evra.