‘Last weekend's 3-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur FC was a
great result for United and just what we needed after the
nightmare week that had just passed. I had taken quite a bit
of stick in the aftermath of our derby defeat by Manchester
City FC and I do not mind admitting that as a result of that
criticism I was even more focused and determined than normal
in training all week.
‘I was pleased with my own performance and I would like to
think that it showed a few people that I still have plenty
to offer at United. I was very down after the disastrous
matches against Porto and City, and was extra determined to
bounce back with a good display against Tottenham. I told
myself that I had to be positive and do what I do best;
running at defenders with pace.
‘Scoring our first goal was the icing on the cake for me,
and it was especially nice that it was a cheeky special! Ole
Gunnar Solskjær put in a nice cross, but I had no choice but
to back-flick it towards goal. It was pure instinct really,
but when it hit the back of the net I think everybody could
see how happy I was. Those types of goals do not come around
too often!’
Maybe things would have been a lot better against City if
Ryan didn’t have to wait for criticism before becoming more
focused and determined. Surely playing for United, you
should always be as focused as possible before every match.