Fortune may not play in the Nations Cup

The South African international was expected to play for Bafana Bafana at next year's Nations Cup in Tunisia but that now seems in doubt.

Fortune is one of only a handful of players who have opted to stay in Manchester this weekend as 17 members of Sir Alex Ferguson's squad jet off to different parts of the globe for key international fixtures.

The manager needs me here and I want to stay Quinton Fortune

South Africa are not playing any friendly games this week, which gives Fortune the chance to stay at United and work on his fitness following a groin injury.

It has also given the 26-year-old left back a chance to reflect on his long-term future with South Africa.

Fortune had been expected to feature at next January's Nations Cup in Tunisia, which takes place during the busiest part of the Premiership season.

The timing of the Nations Cup has annoyed several Premiership managers, who do not want their African internationals featuring in the tournament.

Fortune has suggested that he may not go to Tunisia if it would further his United career.

"The manager needs me here and I want to stay," Fortune told Manchester United's TV channel.

"It is a difficult situation because the Nations Cup falls at a very important stage of the season.

"We will have to see what happens when it arrives because I have gone the last couple of times and it doesn't do me any good.

"It is awkward for all the African players but I hope that there will be a solution to the problem. Maybe they could play it at a different time of the year."