By Chris O'Brien
August 3 2004

Manchester United’s forgotten ‘keeper Ricardo has once again insisted he plans to become first-choice goalkeeper at Old Trafford. The 32-year-old Spanish international could get a chance to prove himself in the forthcoming Vodafone Cup. Manchester United ‘keeper Ricardo could be in line for a start against PSV Eindhoven in Tuesday’s Vodafone Cup clash and insists he plans to seize any opportunity he gets to become first-choice goalkeeper at Old Trafford.

Tim Howard and Roy Carroll are likely to battle it out for the number one spot again this season, with the American likely to start the new campaign between the sticks next season. However, the forgotten Ricardo wants to justify the £1,500,000 spent on him by Sir Alex Ferguson two years ago.

Ricardo returned to Lancashire recently after a season-long loan with Racing Santander in an ambitious mood, and has once again shown his willingness to become United’s number one in the foreseeable future.

"I always believe that I am capable of being the number one. I believe in myself. I have worked hard all my life to get to this position at a club like Manchester United and I am not going to drop my hands and give up. I am going to fight for my place. I won't give in,” said the 32-year-old.

"But I am a realist and when Tim Howard arrived last season and we had four goalkeepers it was difficult to just sit and watch.”

The Spaniard spent all of last season in La Liga as ‘keeper for Racing Santander and he showed glimpses of excellence although reports suggest he lacked consistency that would be needed to play week-in, wee-out at the top of the Premiership.

"I needed to play and so I thought it was the best thing for me to go back to Spain and play. It is important for me to play,” added the Spaniard.

Ricardo has made only 5 appearances for the Red Devils since his move from Real Valladolid in August 2002. However, 34 starts for Santander will have boosted the confidence and fitness of the out-of-favour shot stopper and though unlikely he will ever be United’s number one, it’s great to have some extra competition in the goalkeeping ranks.

"I was very happy in Santander but I then looked forward to coming back to Manchester and pre-season and to work hard and show the technical staff that I can play in this team.

"I have come back with more power and more confidence. I always wanted to come back to Manchester. I didn't go back to Spain last year to try and get a permanent move back to the Spanish League."