Luke Chadwick Returns to Old Trafford

By Chris O'Brien
July 22 2004

Luke Chadwick is back at Old Trafford following a season-long loan with Lancastrian rivals Burnley. The winger struggled with injuries during his time at Turf Moor and now returns hoping to have one last crack at a career with Manchester United.

Luke Chadwick has returned to Old Trafford following a season-long loan spell with Lancastrian rivals Burnley. Unfortunately, the winger failed to have much of an impact at Turf Moor and struggled with a series of injuries as the Clarets spent a season at the wrong end of the First Division and only just avoided relegation to England's third flight.

The 23-year-old made over 30 appearances for Burnley, but reports from supporters of the club are not that promising and are hardly those that will make his chances of succeeding at Old Trafford flourish. However, it is thought Sir Alex Ferguson is willing to give the midfielder a chance to make something of his career as a United player this season, and it could come as soon as the upcoming friendlies in the United States of America.

"Burnley fans have been very harsh on Chadwick. I personally liked him, but he picked up an injury against West Ham United in October and struggled a bit after that." said Clarets season ticket holder Jim to ManUtdWeb.

Chadwick has spent loan spells at Royal Antwerp and Reading in recent seasons but has not yet enjoyed much of a run in the Red Devils first-team. Years ago he was seen as a potential star, but his progress was blocked with David Beckham ahead of him in the starting line-up.

United take a very-much depleted squad across the Atlantic Ocean and reserve players such as Chadwick could get the chance to impress against high-profile opposition. Player having participated in the European Championships and Copa America plus a host of injuries mean that Chadwick could get an opportunity to show Reds supporters that he is good enough to make the grade with the F.A Cup holders.