Chris Lakey Bryan Gunn says he has been given "a nice problem" by his players after telling them to go out and lay claim to the 11 vacancies for the opening game of the new season in less than a fortnight's time.

Chris Lakey

Bryan Gunn says he has been given "a nice problem" by his players after telling them to go out and lay claim to the 11 vacancies for the opening game of the new season in less than a fortnight's time.

The City boss confirmed after the 1-1 draw with a Manchester United XI that none of the starting positions had even been pencilled in.

"That's why I told them before the game that the team has not been picked for Colchester," he said.

"The players who performed well today get extra ticks, and obviously the players that have sat out or only came on in the second half might get an opportunity on Tuesday (at Crystal Palace).

"It has certainly given me and the staff a nice problem to have and, touch wood, I don't think we have got too many knocks from today and if there are they will be well looked after and hopefully we will get them ready for Tuesday might."

Gunn also introduced another triallist, New Zealander Kris Bright, who came on for the last 20 minutes or so.

Bright, who has four international caps, is a free agent having left Greek side Panserraikos FC last week.

"He has been with us for the last few days and he came on and showed some nice touches," said Gunn. "We will have a think about it over the weekend and we have got some decisions to make."

One of those decision will concern centre-half Jens Berthel Askou, who played the full 90 minutes on Saturday.

"He showed up particularly well, certainly in the games in Scotland and again today," Gunn admitted. "He has got attributes that would be very suitable to League One. It is not just me making a decision, obviously it would be down to Jens as well and if we come to an agreement.

"Certainly on today's performance it looks very positive and again it has given us something to think about. We will sit down and have a drink in the lounge afterwards with the United staff, we will talk about what they thought about his performance.

"A decision is not made yet but certainly there's food for thought."

Gunn has dipped into the loan market just once this season, bringing in goalkeeper Ben Alnwick from Spurs for three months, but may have quizzed Solskjaer - in charge while Sir Alex Ferguson leads the senior players in Asia - about one or two of the United youngsters.

"We will certainly be having a chat and there might be a text message going to the Far East as well," said Gunn. "That just shows you the future of Manchester United is in safe hands. A number of those players will be first team players either by the end of the season or the next season.

"It was good for the Norwich City fans to see them and we are very thankful to Sir Alex and Ole Gunnar for sending a team down here.

"There was a very healthy crowd which is good for his lads as well who might not be used to playing in front of those type of crowds, but certainly it has been of benefit and a good experience for both sides."