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IT'S A SQUAD GAME ManUtd.com's Adam Marshall blogs on the beauty of having quality cover in all areas... Now the international break is over, the games start coming thick and fast as United have additional Champions League and Carling Cup commitments. Sir Alex Ferguson knows how best to utilise his squad and will reward those who have patiently watched the Reds rack up three consecutive victories in the Barclays Premier League. A quick glance at the players at the manager's disposal tells you everything you need to know about the champions' remarkable strength in depth. As the team prepares for the tough trip to Bolton, it's worth pointing out that last season's joint-leading scorer in the Barclays Premier League, Dimitar Berbatov, has had just 25 minutes of league action this term. Fellow striker Michael Owen has not had a sniff yet, mainly due to injury and illness, although he is fit again. And there's also Federico Macheda and Mame Biram Diouf who have had to make do with a Reserves outing against Swansea to stay fresh. It's not just up front either - Rio Ferdinand has been warned by the boss he may have to wait before making his return and, at the time of writing, experienced players of the calibre of Ryan Giggs, Ji-sung Park, Michael Carrick and Javier Hernandez have still to make their first starts. The embarrassment of riches at Old Trafford also means there's some exciting youngsters coming through, eagerly awaiting an opportunity in the Carling Cup. It all means the manager can rotate his squad accordingly for the tough programme ahead and everybody is fully aware of the competition for places and the need to always perform at their best. More: Boss ponders Pogba debut | Carry on Chicharito | Red Voices podcast | 
