Smith vows to win over critics after 'brave' move

ALAN SMITH has vowed to win the doubters over after completing his "brave" £7million move from Leeds to Manchester United.

After passing his medical with the Red Devils, Smith signed a five-year contract that has alienated him from supporters of both clubs.

Leeds fans are seething that the hometown boy they hailed a hero sought a transfer to their bitter rivals.

United supporters are not much happier given Smith's badge-kissing antics after scoring during the last league match between the sides at Old Trafford in February. They also fear his arrival could trigger the departure of Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Smith has met any criticism with a shrug of the shoulders and insisted he can join any club he wants.

However, the 23-year-old has accepted the move has generated ill feeling and knows there will be many sceptics waiting to condemn him when he runs out in a United shirt for the first time in August.

"Not a lot of people would have been brave enough to make this step," he told MUTV.

"I know about the cross-Pennine divide and there is a lot of hostility between the supporters. But I am prepared for what comes with that and I am looking forward to the challenge of playing for Manchester United.

"I can't wait to get started. I want to prove myself here and win the fans over with my performances."

Just 24 hours since their own review revealed they had paid over £14m in agents' fees in the three years from January 2001, United added £750,000 to that figure as part of a package that will see cash-strapped Leeds net their entire £6m cut up front.

Smith waived the signing-on fees he was owed to push the deal through, one last gesture to a club he said he one day hoped to play for again, only to make the move that renders it impossible.

While he knows there is no chance of building bridges with the Elland Road supporters, Smith, who has won eight England caps and is on standby for Euro 2004, is hoping his determination wins him some goodwill around Old Trafford.

Middlesbrough, Everton and Newcastle all expressed an interest in Smith but he quickly made it plain he wanted to join the Red Devils.

Alex Ferguson, a long-time admirer, quickly asserted his desire to sign a player who will add an extra physical presence to his strike-force.

"I have never been more impressed with a young player," said the Scot.

"His desire to play for Manchester United is fantastic. Certain young people come along with a special determination and, after speaking to him, I expect that from Alan Smith. That desire will take him a long way."

Under the circumstances, Smith could hardly claim his move is a dream come true. Instead, he said United were the epitome of everything he desired as a young footballer.

"Growing up, I wanted to be the best I could be. I want to win everything I can. That is the biggest reason for coming here," he said.

"Manchester United is a team of winners. They play in every tournament going and I want to become a winner too."

And he is not prepared to hang around either. Faced with the formidable obstacle of van Nistelrooy 110 goals in three seasons at Old Trafford and Louis Saha seven goals in 12 league games Smith might have been expected to agree when asked if he would be happy on the United bench. He did not.

"I am not prepared to spend time on the bench," he said. "I want to make an impact straight away.

"If you are going to be successful as a team, you need a good squad. I believe I am good enough to play in the team. Hopefully I will be proved right."