Kieran Richardson is hoping the 2004/2005 season could be the campaign that finally sees him make a notable mark on the Manchester United first-team. The left winger has so far struggled to break into the senior side at Old Trafford, making only a handful of appearances in the red shirt.

In his younger days, Richardson was touted as the next Ryan Giggs, but despite a series of highly impressive performances for the reserves and youth teams the left-winger is some way from being a regular in Sir Alex Ferguson's match-day squad.

Richardson possesses tremendous pace and has shown followers of United's second-string some memorable moments of skill in recent years, but critics feel the player lacks that extra quality needed to make it at the highest level of the domestic game.

A number of clubs are believed to be interested in 19-year-old Richardson, and link-up club Walsall had a loan offer for the youngster rejected last term. However, despite the possibility of a move elsewhere Kieran Richardson is hungry for success as a Red Devil and has taken inspiration from Darren Fletcher's season of progress last season.

"I am hoping to make a big impact this year. Darren did exceptionally well last season and I want to emulate that.

"I have heard other clubs are interested but I just want to make it here. There is nowhere better than Manchester United."

Richardson arrived at Old Trafford from West Ham United in July 2002 and was seen as a player with real potential. He is undoubtedly an excellent talent, but has struggled to make the impact many would have hoped on the first-team. It is great to see the player showing ambition at the start of the season though, and Richardson is capable of taking the chance should he get it this season.

View a Printer Friendly version of this Story.

Bookmark or share this story with:

• Digg
• Delicious
• Facebook
• Reddit
• Stumbleupon

Manchester United Poll