Red Devil
28-04-2006, 03:09 PM
Giuseppe Rossi would prefer to remain at Manchester United next season but accepts he may have to leave Old Trafford on loan to further his career.
Sir Alex Ferguson has already admitted he wanted to give the prolific young striker more first-team experience this season, but the Italian forward’s opportunities have been restricted by the impressive form of Wayne Rooney, Louis Saha and Ruud van Nistelrooy. Rossi has not made a senior appearance since scoring twice in the FA Cup replay win over Burton Albion in January, but has confirmed his well-being by banging goals in on a regular basis at reserve-team level.
The 19-year-old was on target again at Boundary Park on Tuesday as United’s second string began what they hope will be a trophy three-timer by beating Oldham in the Manchester Senior Cup Final. But the Parma academy product accepts he needs to play more first-team football next term. And, although Ferguson has tended to let most of his promising youngsters leave for short spells elsewhere, Rossi’s desire is to stay where he is.
“My aim and my goal is to stay here and play with United,” said Rossi.
“If I could achieve that, it would be great. But, if there is no space in attack for me here, I guess the best move would be to go out on loan somewhere to gain experience.”
Jonathan Spector, Phil Bardsley and David Jones are among the clutch of United youngsters with senior experience who have been plying their trade elsewhere, with that trio benefiting from moves to Charlton Athletic, Burnley and NEC Nijmegen respectively. And Rossi admits he has chatted to some of his young team-mates to find out how productive life away from United has been.
“I have spoken to a few of the lads who have been on loan,” he said. “They have been enjoying it and doing well and when they come back they will be fighting for a first-team place, so that is something to bear in mind.”
Ironically, Rossi could be one of the beneficiaries if United fail to stop Chelsea getting the point they require to retain the Barclays Premiership title at Stamford Bridge this weekend. www.premierleague.com (http://www.premierleague.com)
Sir Alex Ferguson has already admitted he wanted to give the prolific young striker more first-team experience this season, but the Italian forward’s opportunities have been restricted by the impressive form of Wayne Rooney, Louis Saha and Ruud van Nistelrooy. Rossi has not made a senior appearance since scoring twice in the FA Cup replay win over Burton Albion in January, but has confirmed his well-being by banging goals in on a regular basis at reserve-team level.
The 19-year-old was on target again at Boundary Park on Tuesday as United’s second string began what they hope will be a trophy three-timer by beating Oldham in the Manchester Senior Cup Final. But the Parma academy product accepts he needs to play more first-team football next term. And, although Ferguson has tended to let most of his promising youngsters leave for short spells elsewhere, Rossi’s desire is to stay where he is.
“My aim and my goal is to stay here and play with United,” said Rossi.
“If I could achieve that, it would be great. But, if there is no space in attack for me here, I guess the best move would be to go out on loan somewhere to gain experience.”
Jonathan Spector, Phil Bardsley and David Jones are among the clutch of United youngsters with senior experience who have been plying their trade elsewhere, with that trio benefiting from moves to Charlton Athletic, Burnley and NEC Nijmegen respectively. And Rossi admits he has chatted to some of his young team-mates to find out how productive life away from United has been.
“I have spoken to a few of the lads who have been on loan,” he said. “They have been enjoying it and doing well and when they come back they will be fighting for a first-team place, so that is something to bear in mind.”
Ironically, Rossi could be one of the beneficiaries if United fail to stop Chelsea getting the point they require to retain the Barclays Premiership title at Stamford Bridge this weekend. www.premierleague.com (http://www.premierleague.com)