Skip to content

African's trampoline season

Eric Djemba-Djemba is confident the experience of his debut season at Old Trafford will propel him into the Manchester United first team next term.

The Cameroon midfielder has only been a bit-part figure since arriving from Nantes last summer with a combination of injuries and international commitments curtailing his involvement.

He has looked a steady performer on the occasions he has been available to Sir Alex Ferguson and is confident he has learned plenty during his first year with The Red Devils.

Djemba-Djemba perceives this to be his 'trampoline' year and he expects to bounce into United's team more often next season.

"I view this year as my trampoline year," he said.

"I want to propel myself into my Manchester United career and I already feel as though I have learned a lot.

"Sure I would have liked to play more but hopefully that will only be good for next year and the years after that.

"I've started to eradicate the little errors I had but once I get a chance to play more regularly you'll see the real me."

The young African also feels the physically demanding nature of The Premiership is perfect for his own style of play.

He continued: "I am a mentally tough player. I play hard and I play to win.

"I like the personal battles and duels in a match and I'll do everything I can to avoid losing.

"It doesn't take long to realise how fast and direct The Premiership is. You rarely get a moment in the game, especially in midfield, and that is exactly what I like.

"From the first match I have been really impressed. You might see a team three or four goals down with two minutes to go but they still keep fighting and attacking - nobody gives up."