Interview: Danny Simpson

Salford-born right-back Danny Simpson has spent the summer working with the Reds first team and is hoping for playing opportunities this season. We caught up with him for a quick chat about training at United and marking Ronaldo…You’ve been working with the first-team in pre-season. How much of a step up is it, even after your time at Sunderland last season?I had a great time at Sunderland but the standard in United’s first team is even higher. It helps to bring the best out of you because you have to continually raise your game.How has training changed even in your short career? Certain things have changed. From what I’ve seen at United and from chatting to coaches like Rene Meulensteen (Technical Skills Development Coach), a lot of kids nowadays work on their technique from a young age, probably seven or eight. Technique is something a lot of people have always said English footballers need to work on and from what I’ve seen recently that’s definitely happening. Youngsters spend more time practising their turns and working on one and two-touch passing and I think because of that we’re producing better players.Has working with Rene helped your game?It’s been great. Every session we have with him involves working on certain techniques, whether it be your turns or your passing. I’ve tried to apply what I’ve learnt in the sessions into game situations and personally he’s helped me a lot.As a full-back, what’s it like marking Cristiano Ronaldo in training?To be honest, I quite enjoy it! You want to play against the best and become the best yourself and marking Ronaldo day in, day out, can only help you improve. Nani is another one who’s tricky to play against. He’s a quality player and I can’t wait to see him and Ronny bombing down the wings for United this season.
from:www.manutd.com