Ritchie de Laet played on loan for three different clubs last season and it was confirmed this week he would be spending next season on loan at newly promoted Norwich.
He played just a total of ten games at Sheffield United and Preston North End but was a regular for Portsmouth after joining them in the January just gone.
The 22-year-old defender was a surprise signing from Stoke two and a half years ago and has done well for United in the limited opportunities he’s been given.
“Regular football at first-team level is invaluable and although it might not have been the best thing for me personally to play for three different clubs in one season, it worked out really well in the end,” he said. “If I can gain some experience and play as many games as I can in the Premier League this season then I can go back and give it a good go at getting in the first team. If all goes well for me with Norwich, then it will be up to me to prove to Sir Alex Ferguson that I am good enough to wear the United shirt. But for now I just need to concentrate on doing well for Norwich. I have still got another year left on my contract after this season, so I have got until the summer of 2013 to prove myself at United. It is all in my own hands really because if I do well for Norwich this season it might trigger a new contract for me back at United. But if not I will still have the last year of my contract to show what I am capable of there.”
——–
What do Portsmouth fans think of De Laet?
Man Utd News 24/7
It’ll be interesting to see how he gets on in the premier league. Not sure if he’s united quality.
Good attitude that. But he plays in defense right ? Hrmm.
Better de Laet than never!
Come on Ritchie!
Ive only seen him play for our reserves, but he always seems the stand out player at the back. Rooting for it to work out for him.
I think he knows he’ll be on loan next year too. SAF has upgraded our loaning system to mid-table clubs like Sunderland, Wigan etc..
Good luck to him though, he could be a surprise package yet..
@ Sir Alex Ferguson, Please don’t sell Berba Sir.
Good lad.
To be honest with the few times I’ve seen him he’s always looked pretty good. Came on against Valencia pre-season and he looked good attacking and steady defensively. Guess it’s in his hands now to prove whether he can make it or not.
I’d be De Laeted if Ritchie made a name for himself at this club.
Ritchie, it’s time to wake up and smell the Café de Laet.
Hip Hip Hooray! This kid is so hip!
^ oops, wrong thread …^
I have faith in the boy, hope he does well this season
Fergie : Ritchie, you’re playing today.
Ritchie : Gaffer! You have finally seen de Laet!
Hahaha!
Fergie: Patrice, yer on the bench today, pal. I’m playing the young Belgian lad, Ritchie.
Evra: De Laet is on but nobody’s home!
Women across the country say Ritchie is de best de laet in de land.
Lady, don’t delay, lay de Laet today!
Well with de laat on-loan, there is not a chance losing oshea
Loved this guy when he was a shock start against Hull and absolutely tore them apart from right back, always thought he’d be the next John O’Shea…very versatile.
Hope he makes the best of this loan spell..though it’s going to be hard as Norwich are likely to ship goals.
Come on Ritchie you can Laet up the Premiership next season.
Was Capello praise him when he saw De Laet plays once?
Interesting prospect, a no nonsense defender. Best of luck at Norwich and hope you’ll get a go at the red shirt next season.
from my personal p.o.v., he CAN do it with us at OT, he will be good enough, though I prefer him to play rightback position – it is the best for him imho, much better then CB def. Good Luck Rich & next year this time, you´ll be looking fwd to United shirt, I believe you will
Will he be sold or will he make it at United? I fear it’s the former but hope it’s De Laeter.
I can see De Laet at the end of the tunnel at Old Trafford…
I think he’s a good player, and with a decent run at Norwich could show he’s United quality. I think Fergie rather lost faith in him after he was played in the centre of a makeshift 3-man back line against Fulham in 2009 in the middle of a defensive crisis (8 defenders injured, I think), and was pretty disastrous, along with everyone else including Carrick at centre half. It didn’t help that Scholes had an off day in midfield in front of the defence as United shipped three goals.
I think from the limited times I’ve seen him his best position is left back, but maybe he’s best at right back. Certainly not centre back.
He certainly looks like a versatile player who could well be a regular bencher or backup for any of the back 4 positions.
Kinda reminds of Ronnie Johnsen.
He’s De Laetest in a long line of defenders to be compared to Ronny Johnsen.
(Not really, this is the first time I’ve ever heard anyone say it!)