Richardson: I want United first-team place

Kieran Richardson is hoping his performances on loan to West Brom will enhance his chances of securing first-team football when he returns to Manchester United next season.

Richardson has played a big part in Albion’s revival since he joined the club on loan from Old Trafford in the January transfer window.

He has been effectively deployed in a central midfield role by Albion manager Bryan Robson even though he has operated for most of his career on the flank.

Richardson said: “Have I given Sir Alex Ferguson food for thought? I should think so. I am playing quite well at the moment.

“I came to West Brom to play regular football and get stronger physically and I think I’m improving. I’ve never played two games in a row for Manchester United.

“It is only going to benefit me and United playing week in and week out. Hopefully I’ll go back a much better player and establish myself with them in the Premiership.

“At United I play on the left wing and hopefully I can get into Sir Alex Ferguson’s plans on the left and carry on the way I’ve been playing at West Brom.”

Richardson reiterated his determination to return to Old Trafford even though Robson has talked of the possibility of extending his loan spell after this campaign.

He said: “I’m definitely going back to Manchester United. I want to be a Manchester United player.

"At the moment I’m a West Brom player but I’m still contracted to United.

I’m playing well and the fans have taken to me but I’m hopefully going back at the end of the season. This has been a great experience for me.”