By David Hobbs
July 6 2005

Eddie Johnson has signed on-loan with Crewe Alexandra until the start of the new year as the youngster looks to gain more first-team experience.

The 20-year-old striker spent a loan spell with Coventry City last year, representing the Sky Blues 29 times and netting on 5 occasions in the Championship.

Johnson revealed the progress of Dean Ashton at Gresty Road influenced his decision to join Alex on-loan. However, Johnson will have major competition in recent signing Juan Urgate.

"Dean Ashton was pushing on and through into the first team and it was going to be difficult for me to follow because the club also had Rob Hulse scoring goals as well,"  he said. "I think the move to United worked out well.

"I was at Crewe Alexandra until I was 15 and Manchester United signed me after my contract ended here. At the time I think I needed a change to be honest.

"I've played in the reserves there and playing with some world class players has helped my game. It is difficult to break into the team there with players such as Ruud van Nistelrooy and now Wayne Rooney, but you just have to keep pushing yourself because Sir Alex does give the younger lads a chance.

"Maybe I will have to move on at some stage to get regular first-team football but I'm happy to be getting at Crewe next season and we'll see where we go from there.

"I'm quite strong, and like to hold the ball up and make runs inside. Overall though I see myself as a goalscorer. "he added. 

David Hobbs - Webmaster
[david@manutdweb.com]