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Wednesday, 13th July 2005
Richardson sets United goal
RICHARDSON: Target
WORLD Cup hopeful Kieran Richardson has given himself three years to realise
his dream of becoming a Manchester United first-team regular.
Six months ago, the odds on Richardson achieving his ambition would have been
high in the extreme.
Squeezed out of the first-team picture at Old Trafford following the
embarrassing FA Cup draw with non-league Exeter, the Londoner's chances of winning
favour with Sir Alex Ferguson appeared remote.
But a chance inquiry from West Brom boss Bryan Robson near the end of January
has transformed Richardson's career. Not only did it provide him with 12
Premiership appearances when he previously had none, it also offered the
platform from which the midfielder propelled himself into Sven-Goran Eriksson's
England squad.
Richardson and his father Clyde, who has masterminded his career to date, are
acutely aware the only way he will break into Eriksson's 22-man party is
through regular appearances at club level.
But such is the player's desire to make it at United, he is prepared to
gamble a World Cup berth on the chances of success.
"If I get to 23 and I am still not getting through, I might have to move onto
another club but at the moment I am not thinking about that," said the
20-year-old Greenwich-born star.
"I am contracted to Manchester United and that is who I want to play for.
"Hopefully what I have achieved over the last few months has given Sir Alex
Ferguson food for thought. He said it would be a good experience for me to go
out on loan and it would only benefit my career.
"Now I just want to get back to Manchester United, try to establish myself
and help them win the Premiership title."
Ferguson appears to share the same sentiments given he has already intimated
he is willing to extend Richardson's contract, which is due to expire just as
England's World Cup campaign is drawing to its conclusion.
The youngster's return to Carrington could almost be viewed as a new signing
given the vast strides he has made since his departure and though Ryan Giggs'
Red Devils future is now secured for another three years, the veteran winger
looks set to face stiff competition for his starting berth.
"I don't see myself going back to United and playing in central midfield as I
did for West Brom," Richardson admitted.
"I played left-wing for England at under-21 level and did quite well and that
is also where I have played for United. Long-term, there does not appear to
be many attacking left-sided midfield players around who are qualified for
England. Hopefully, I can force my way into that position at United and
continue the progress I have made so far."
Never one lacking in self-confidence, Richardson now has something concrete
to place some faith in his own ability. Robson's desire to see him return to
the Baggies following last term's stunning last-day survival is evidence of
the contribution Richardson made.
But although the player is looking forward to being at the Hawthorns when
United visit, he hopes it will be in a red shirt.
"My dream is to play for United against West Brom in the Premier League next
season," he revealed.
"I really enjoyed myself down there and when I do go back, I hope to get a
good reception from the fans."
But it is at Old Trafford where Richardson is determined to make his name,
and that means forcing his way into a midfield capable of housing the likes of
Giggs, Roy Keane, Paul Scholes, Cristiano Ronaldo and new arrival Park
Ji-Sung.
"It can be intimidating when you walk into a dressing room and you end up
sitting with Keane or Scholes," he said.
"But you have to remember they were once where you are now.
"All you can do is learn from them, take advice from them and try to
incorporate it within your game.
"I do believe in my ability and the last six months has gone much better than
I could ever have imagined, so long may it continue."