No regrets over United move - Miller

Liam Miller today insisted he has no regrets about joining Manchester United, despite failing to make the expected impact at Old Trafford.

An injury almost immediately following his free transfer move from Celtic in the summer did not help his cause, and since then the central midfielder has been used sparingly in all competitions, making 10 starts.

In particular, the humiliating goalless draw against non-league minnows Exeter at Old Trafford in the third round of the FA Cup has proven to be detrimental.

By his own admission, Miller concedes he did not play well that day – along with the rest of the side – resulting in him again facing a battle to gain manager Sir Alex Ferguson’s respect.

Miller’s troubles even recently prompted Celtic boss Martin O’Neill to comment the 23-year-old would perhaps have been better served staying at Parkhead, something the player refutes.

There has also been speculation Miller may return north of the border in the summer, but he maintains he is determined to fight for his place at United.

“The first few months I was enjoying it – and I’m obviously still enjoying it - because things were going well,” commented Miller.

“I was getting chances in Europe, I was coming on in Premiership games and featuring in the Carling Cup.

“But then came the Exeter game and the whole team had a bad performance, including myself. It put me on the back foot and to the bottom of the rotation.

“I knew I had to pick myself up, and I believe I have recently. I’ve been doing well in training, I’m feeling the benefits and I’m starting to get a look in again in the league.”

Given the wealth of talent in the centre of United’s midfield, there may have been some validity in O’Neill’s remarks, but Miller responded: “I suppose Martin is entitled to his opinion.

“When I was playing for him, I had great respect for him and he has always been great for me.

“Maybe I can understand his frustration at me leaving. I can understand he would want me to stay, but it was a decision I made and I made the right one. Hopefully it will show in time.

“I knew when I signed the players United had. I knew it was going to be tough because of the quality. There’s not a bad player at Manchester United.

“But it’s about me trying to improve every day and hopefully I can. With [Eric] Djemba-Djemba leaving it has opened the gap a bit more for me to get in again.

“I know I still have to work hard. It’s not about what others do, it’s about what I do personally. I am there to fight for a place, and hopefully I will do that.”

Miller concedes he is being aided in his quest by both Ferguson and Roy Keane, a mentor at both club and international level with the Republic of Ireland, with the youngster due to figure at some stage in tomorrow’s friendly against Portugal at Lansdowne Road.

“The manager has been really encouraging, telling me where to improve, helping me out and he’s always there to talk,” added Miller.

“The same goes for Roy. He’s been great ever since I moved. He’s full of encouragement and telling me where to work on stuff. In training every day I’m sure I’m going to learn off him, which I know I have already.”

There is no Keane, though, due to a knee injury which could give another Manchester United star in Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo the licence to create havoc against the Irish.

Miller concedes Ronaldo is “improving with every game he plays,” and added: “It’s really difficult to play against him.

“He has everything at such a young age. He has great feet, great skill and has a bag of tricks, but at the same time he can deliver with his pace and crossing.

“Now he seems to be adding the finishing touch with the goals he is scoring. He is just developing into a better and better player every day.

“But it is all about us on the day and how well we play if we are to stop him.”