Da Laet delighted with first year at Old Trafford

Following his surprise move to Old Trafford last January, Ritchie De Laet admits he’s enjoyed his first year more than he expected.

The versatile Belgian defender was the shock signing of the transfer window last January as he couldn’t even get into the Stoke first team, but since then he’s proven he has the talent to step up in a variety of positions for Manchester United and looks to have a bright future.

“It’s been fantastic, better than I expected, in fact,” he told manutd.com.

“I came here on trial to show the boss what I could do. He gave me my chance at the end of last season at Hull and I think I took it.

I started training with the first team during pre-season and played in the friendly against Valencia, which went well.

“I’ve been involved in some Carling Cup games and a few league matches, and signed a new three-year contract. So everything has gone brilliantly.”

The 21 year old also stressed the value of experienced players in the dressing room and on the training field.

“It’s important not to be afraid of going to the older lads, who are happy to help.

You want to be prepared as well as you can. Not only do you want to help the team win but you don’t want to look back on a game and be ashamed of your performance.

I spoke to Gary Neville before the Carling Cup tie against Tottenham about how best to mark [Aaron] Lennon and he gave me great advice.”

Short URL: http://www.strettyender.com/?p=936