Dropped! Rejected! Doomed! …
Nothing symbolises how much Keiran Richardson’s United career has stalled than his demotion to the England Under-21 side that faces Italy tomorrow.
The versatile winger has been included in the national senior squad since bursting into the limelight with a brace against the USA on his debut. That followed a successful loan period at West Brom during the 2004-05 season, where he played a lead role in helping the Midlands club preserve its Premiership status.
Bryan Robson, the then Baggies boss, tried hard to keep the left-sided player but his offer was snubbed as Richardson’s heart was set on the big time at Old Trafford.
“I am looking for big things this season,” he said last July. “I have a lot to prove to myself and to others. I hope I will show what I can do because United is certainly the place to be. I have my fingers crossed that it’s going to be big season for the club and for me.”
Some eight months later, the player finds himself as irregular a United starter as ever and now an England senior stiff told to run-out with the hopefuls.
“There are no mixed feelings for me not being involved in Tel Aviv,” Richardson said. “I am not playing regularly for my club side and don’t feel I deserve to be at this moment in time. My aim is to get back into the full squad but if I have to go back to go forward that is fine by me.
“We have got a great squad at Manchester United and I am sure I will get my chance again. If you are playing well for your club you have always got a great chance of playing for your country.”
The Londoner is honest and puts a brave face on what ought to be a crushing blow to his professional pride. Despite the promise of youth, the glowing West Brom reviews and the instant national acclaim, Richardson is back treading water again at United. Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs and Ji Sung Park are formidable barriers to regular first team football, whilst Sir Alex must be aware that for many a fan, Richardson is doomed never to succeed in Red.
“United are playing so well at the moment and the starting XI is doing so well so when you come into the side it is very hard and you have play so well,” Richardson confessed. “I am a Manchester United player and have still got two years left on my contract. I really enjoy my time there and if my gaffer decides he doesn’t want me anymore I would think about it. But he does want me and I love playing for Manchester United.”
There is a sombre tone to Richardson’s remarks which suggests that deep down, he knows the game is up. The player continues to disappoint whenever the call to first team action arrives. The crowd’s reaction is damning. Richardson is not without ability but appears to lack the single-mindedness, the dedication and the consistency needed to succeed in the United bear pit.
Richardson is 22. He is young and talented enough to flourish in a less demanding environment. With his career at a standstill and with little hope of an immediate change of fortune at United, the opportunity to move on in the summer should not be missed. AU
© Copyright: Absolutely United 2007
