Ricardo Returns to Old Trafford

Guess Who's Back
By Chris O'Brien
July 18 2004

Spanish 'keeper Ricardo has returned to Old Trafford after completing his season-long loan with Racing Santander. The forgotten shot stopper returns to Lancashire with ambitions of making the first choice jersey his own, despite Tim Howard and Roy Carroll being ahead of him in the pecking order.

Spanish goalkeeper Ricardo has returned to Old Trafford after a season-long loan with Racing Santander, who came close to relegation from La Liga. Few United fans will be jumping at the joy that the shot stopper is back in Lancashire, but Ricardo remains optimistic and has pledged to fight for his first team place in the Red Devils starting line-up.

Many were surprised when Ricardo was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson from Real Valladolid in August 2002, and the Spaniard failed to impress on rare appearances for the team. Northern Irish international Roy Carroll was preferred as back-up, and the arrival of Tim Howard saw Fabien Barthez and Ricardo loaned out for the entirety of the 2003/2004 campaign.

Barthez's successful season at Marseille was followed by a permanent move to the French club, but Ricardo has returned to United and remains ambitious that he can challenge for the number one jersey. He made 34 appearances in Spain, and although he impressed towards the start of the spell, Santander have shown no interest in following up the loan with a temporary move for the player.

"I will do my best to get back my place in the side. I want to do well for the manager the team and all the fans." said the 32-year-old.

Although Ricardo has been given few chances, he has failed to impress in a Manchester United shirt and it is unlikely he will get many opportunities next term with Roy Carroll pushing Tim Howard very close for the regular slot between the sticks. The Spanish international may get opportunities to show his worth through the reserve team, but will do very well to fulfil his full ambitions at Old Trafford.