From the MEN:
"It didn't look like Heinze was going to get a second bite of the cherry at United.
"It's a fact of life at Old Trafford that United are linked with players elsewhere every day and if a player is not in the first team then he will be linked with a club wanting him.
"There has been a lot of talk of Gabby going here, there and everywhere and it's hard to know the truth about it.
"I have been a big fan of Heinze and at his best I would have him in the team ahead of Evra because of his defensive qualities. He edges it for me because of that.
"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."