Richardson staying at Old Trafford

Kieran Richardson has spurned West Brom’s advances and decided to take up the challenge of fighting for a first-team berth at Manchester United.

After previously being regarded as little more than a bit-part player at Old Trafford, Richardson exploded onto the scene at the back end of last season.

The winger’s sensational performances during a loan spell at West Brom contributed hugely to the Baggies’ amazing survival fight and catapulted him into the England squad.

Richardson responded by scoring twice on his international debut against the USA in Chicago, pushing him into outside contention for a place in Sven-Goran Eriksson’s World Cup squad next summer.

Ironically, the 20-year-old would probably have stood more chance of making the flight to Germany had he opted for a move to the Hawthorns and virtually guaranteed himself regular first-team action for Bryan Robson’s men.

Instead, after meetings throughout the summer with his father Clyde and manager Alex Ferguson, Richardson has decided to have another push at making a Red Devils’ breakthrough.

“Everyone wanted to know whether I was going back to West Brom or not but I have decided to stay at Manchester United,” said Richardson, who played for 45 minutes in United’s 3-1 friendly win at Wrexham last night.

“It was flattering to have the choice. I did well at West Brom and I enjoyed my time there.

“I owe Bryan Robson a lot because he took a gamble on me when I didn’t have a great deal of experience.

“I know he wanted me to go back but I want to make it at Manchester United and be a Manchester United player. Hopefully I can do that this season.”

The Londoner’s ambition was a key element in persuading Ferguson to keep Richardson.

Although the battle for a senior spot will be tough, especially as the United coaching team have now earmarked the Greenwich-born player as a left-back challenger to Gabriel Heinze and John O’Shea, by stating so firmly he wanted to stay Richardson has convinced his manager he has the mental attitude required to be a Red Devil.

“Kieran has made great improvements in his game,” Ferguson told the Manchester Evening News.

“Obviously he wants first team football but he is prepared to battle for it here.

“It’s a challenge but he will get opportunities if he is playing well.

“I like to see ambition in young players and Kieran is showing that.”