Irwin urges Man Utd not to sell Heinze

Manchester United hero Denis Irwin has urged manager Sir Alex Ferguson to shelve all thoughts of selling Gaby Heinze in the summer.

"I have been a big fan of Heinze and at his best I would have him in the team ahead of Patrice Evra because of his defensive qualities. He edges it for me because of that," Irwin told the Manchester Evening News.

"Patrice, however, has been outstanding this season. His improvement has been dramatic. He has come on a ton and United haven't looked any weaker with him in the side.

"So up to a few matches ago he had the position in his grip. It was very hard for Heinze under those circumstances. He fought back early to go the World Cup in Germany last summer with Argentina. I am not sure the club would have been too happy with that.

"Nevertheless, he went but suffered a bit as a result this season. Because he wasn't getting regular matches his game fitness suffered.

"In view of that and how Patrice was playing you did have to wonder if he'd ever get back in on a regular basis and would he put up with that."

But Heinze has finally grabbed his chance again with Evra sidelined to throw the battle for the left-back berth into the air again and possibly alter the thinking on his future in the summer.

"I want to see Gabby at United again next season," Irwin added. "I want the club to hang on to all the players they have. Battles for places is vital.

"Heinze's fantastic display against Bolton was the Gabriel Heinze of two years ago and it was great to see." [Via]