Given the chance, Oliver Norwood would be playing teams like Newcastle United every week.

But first the on-loan Manchester United midfielder knows he must prove himself at a lower level.

That's where Scunthorpe United come in, with the Iron coming highly recommended by Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

"It is a great chance to come on loan and play in a first team week in week out, if I get the chance," said Norwood, who will be at Glanford Park until January.

"Sir Alex Ferguson said to go and enjoy yourself.

"I have been desperate to get out on loan and play in a first team environment in a stadium, and get the experience of playing.

"He said it was a great club, he knows the manager (Alan Knill) and says he tries to play the right way.

"He said it would suit me and I should go and show what a good player I can be."

A feature of the United reserves for the past two seasons, Norwood admits he has been desperate to 'challenge' himself.

The Northern Ireland international hopes that chance will now come with the Iron.

"It is a good challenge," he said.

"You like to challenge yourself and prove to yourself, and others, that you can play at the highest level.

"I just want to play at the highest level possible. Pushing the boundaries, you have to work harder to get there. But I want to be a professional footballer.

"It is drilled into you at Manchester United – the way to play football, the way to live your life off the pitch, how to be a good person on and off the pitch.

"It is just the gaffer's way, he is a legend of the game. He runs the game and you learn a lot of life skills, which means, when you come out on loan, you know what to expect.

"At United you are spoilt, you get everything done for you.

"Some of the lads have gone out on loan and it is a shock to the system because you have to fend for yourself. But they prepare you for that."