When does Kieran get his chance?

[johno]

Kieran Richardson was supposed to be the next Giggs. We know he is not the finished article, but he's going to get his 20th senior cap if he plays tonight (no "if" in it really) but has yet to get a string of important matches or even 2 or 3 games to prove himself.

My question is, when will he get that chance? He is more mature than he was 2 years ago and we've given other players that chance. Fletcher, Miller even Eagles has been in the squad more than Kieran who in my mind is more deserving of that chance.

Kieran may have 20 matches, but he usually does not play in matches where we field something close to our best side.

Today in an interview of his he stated that he was willing to stay at United and fight for a first team place rather than be transfered or even sent on loan.

I never think about leaving Manchester United,' he said. 'I have faith in my ability, I am confident and believe I am good enough to make it here.

'Sometimes I have thought about going out on loan to gain some experience but the manager told me if I stay I will get my chance, so that is what I have done.'

Although he retains an assuredness most players need if they are going to become a regular at a club the size of United, there is not the same cockiness about Richardson as there was when he first broke through.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=318690&cc=5901

[prk166]

Maybe it's a matter of when will Giggs form drop enough to allow Kieran a run. IIRC MIller's supposed string of games has been as a substitute. Fletch's run this year didn't happen until November.

[Potomac Red Devil]

I think it's important to give guys like Richardson a run to prove themselves. He's getting something close to that now, but he really needs at least one or two matches where he's playing with the first choice squad.

[Rei de Boston]

We have to remember that he is still only 20 years old. I do think that now is the time to get him some more games and see what he really can do. I don't have any umbers to support it but it seems like he has been given more games this year then last year at this time.

[Sofabloke]

I think that like a lot of our younger players, Kieran could have done with a loan spell at a lower placed premiership club to get some experience of prem football without risking the team. I am still also not sure what role SAF has in mind for KR, I always got the impression he was lined up as a striker than left-wing?

[johno]

I think that like a lot of our younger players, Kieran could have done with a loan spell at a lower placed premiership club to get some experience of prem football without risking the team. I am still also not sure what role SAF has in mind for KR, I always got the impression he was lined up as a striker than left-wing?

Kieran has said he does not want to go on loan and I cannot blame him, most of the players that go on loan don't make it with this team.

I don't think that Kieran playing in a full strength team is really risking the team. Its one position and the team has been playing with Fletcher who, all respect to FUCOF and FFS, has been hot and cold, one minute producing a good cross, the next gifting possesion and in dangerous places. Richardson for all his faults commits them on the flank deep in enemy territory, I think we could take those mistakes far more easily than getting caught in possesion in midfield.

Even if Richardson does not get to start right away I would like to see him used in every match as a substitute. When Ronaldo is tired or Giggs needs a breather, or simply if we have the game in hand. I don't think he is half bad and with the club getting more and more active w/ different competitions resting players even for 30 mins at the end of a game will be important. Not only that, but when injuries or fatigue occur we need to know if we can turn to Kieran on the wing or if Rooney needs to play there while Smith takes his place.

Not so much that Richardson is knocking on the door, more that I don't see a reason for him not to get minutes.

[manuniked]

I don't think he is good enough.....
He has not impresssed enough in the chances he has had and at 20 time is running out

[johno]

I don't think he is good enough.....
He has not impresssed enough in the chances he has had and at 20 time is running out

I cannot see how he can be judged when he only plays with understrengthed teams.

[manuniked]

I cannot see how he can be judged when he only plays with understrengthed teams.
I think his position (playmaker/winger) puts the onus on him to create and cause havoc which is not as dependent on who his teamates are.

[prk166]

I think that like a lot of our younger players, Kieran could have done with a loan spell at a lower placed premiership club to get some experience of prem football without risking the team. I am still also not sure what role SAF has in mind for KR, I always got the impression he was lined up as a striker than left-wing?

Maybe he sees Kieran's chance coming if Giggs was injured or had a poor run of form?

[Rei de Boston]

I think his position (playmaker/winger) puts the onus on him to create and cause havoc which is not as dependent on who his teamates are.

I think that is a good description of what Giggs does, however I think it is still early to tell if Richardson is this type of player. If he isn't I don't think that is a bad thing. We don't necessarily need a Giggs clone (though it would be great) because of the other players in the squad. With Ronaldo, Rooney, Smith, Saha, RVN, Kleberson (I am counting on him to develop and replace Scholes one day) the necessity for having a playmaker on the left is not as great. It is very possible that he will be able to provide something a little different and it could end up being a very good thing. He also may never make it to the first team.

I think that it is still too early to judge him, but I think he will get some more chances this year than in the past and then we may have a better feel for his game.

[Kavster]

I think that Kieran isnt so much of a GIggs type player. I think he's more the Beckham sort, but on the left. Optimistically, we can hope for a system not to different from that of the '99 team where Becks was more of a distributor (now Richardson) and Giggs was the out and out winger (now Ronaldo).

If this is the case, i think we have a lot to be excited about in the future, whether it be immediate or we have to wait a few years.

[FCDallas96]

I think that Kieran isnt so much of a GIggs type player. I think he's more the Beckham sort, but on the left. Optimistically, we can hope for a system not to different from that of the '99 team where Becks was more of a distributor (now Richardson) and Giggs was the out and out winger (now Ronaldo).

If this is the case, i think we have a lot to be excited about in the future, whether it be immediate or we have to wait a few years.
Judging by last night's match, it seems that he was pretty poor. Skysports gave him the lowest rating out of anyone on the pitch. It sounds like he should have finished that one chance that Bellion laid off to him before Fener grabbed their second. I just think his chance has passed him by.

[manc_sean]

He will never make it at Old Trafford. He's simply not good enough.

[Robert25]

With Giggs seeming to return to good form and CRon even notching his first goal of the season, the chances for Richardson probabley will be confined to the Carling cup and early FA cup action, een then he'd have to be lucky to get time.

I like him, right now he has a lot to sort out, but I think he could really be something. Is he the next Giggs? Proabbely there will never be another Giggs. but can he be the a good left winger? I do think so, once he gets enough time to sufficently blend and learn to work with his teamates.

[Rei de Boston]

Judging by last night's match, it seems that he was pretty poor. Skysports gave him the lowest rating out of anyone on the pitch. It sounds like he should have finished that one chance that Bellion laid off to him before Fener grabbed their second. I just think his chance has passed him by.

Yeah he probably should have got a better shot off but that play was Bellion's fault. He had the better opportunity but hesitated and then passed the ball. Bellion should have shot, it was not the time to pass.

[Acronym]

He aint good enough. These are the one out of the whole reserves who could make it:

Madds Timm
Pique
Rossi
Blake
Eagles

[johno]

He aint good enough. These are the one out of the whole reserves who could make it:

Madds Timm
Pique
Rossi
Blake
Eagles

You've seen enough of Rossi and Pique to think they will make it already?

[2ndstarright]

He aint good enough. These are the one out of the whole reserves who could make it:

Madds Timm
Pique
Rossi
Blake
Eagles

Madds Timm barely even gets to play with the reserves.

[Acronym]

umm no he was injured, he's got bundles of class. How many players can jump in the air facing the wrong way and back heel the ball in the net? I think Pique will make it, he has composure, height and pace.