Scott Wootton has admitted that he could have signed for Liverpool, instead he is ready to step in for Jonny Evans if the Northern Irishman is ruled out for the clash against Newcastle United.

An injury crisis at Manchester United has seen the young defender fast tracked into first team life at Old Trafford with Ferguson missing three central defenders and facing the probability of a fourth if Jonny Evans can’t shake off a dead leg.

Wootton, 21, appeared against Newcastle in the Capital One Cup to make his first senior start and came off the bench during Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Cluj.

“The last week or so has been amazing," he told the Mail Online, and while Alex Ferguson is desperate for his injury crisis to be over, Wootton is happy to capitalise on his team mates' misfortune.

“I got my chance against Newcastle due injuries. It’s just the way it is.

“It is always the way. As a young player, obviously you don’t wish injuries on someone, but that’s how you might get your chance.”

Wootton's career could have gone a different route - the Birkenhead born defender was initially at Tranmere, before Liverpool signed him to their academy squad.

All the time he was with the Anfield club, United kept in touch, and when Wootton hesitated to sign for Liverpool, Ferguson made his move.

“United invited me down for a week’s trial and said they wanted to sign straight after that. It was really good,” he added.