Who is Donald Love ?

Manchester United defender Donald Love continues to learn his trade at the club and has benefited from playing alongside Jonny Evans for the Under-21s.

The 20-year-old is adapting his game as he hopes to help Warren Joyce’s side go one better than last term when Chelsea won the national title at Old Trafford, and the youngster is enjoying life at the Aon Training Complex…

Is it true Sir Alex Ferguson personally scouted you as a schoolboy?
Well, I was watched a couple of times by him but that’s because I played against his grandson when he was younger. I don’t know if he noticed me or not! I was already at United then anyway as I would play for my local team but train with United at weekends. I actually signed when I was seven. We had tournaments where I’d play against Egerton, the team Sir Alex’s grandson played for.

Your brother Archie is also a footballer – is there any sibling rivalry?
Yes, kind of. He’s a year older but we’ve never played against each other. We played at Northwich Town together and he came to United but was too old to sign. He was at Burnley but he has been injured and he’ll get another club soon when he gets back to fitness.

You’ve tended to play right-back but have been in the middle as well…
I’ve been playing centre-back quite a lot now. It’s different but it helps me if I go out to right-back with my defending and reading of the game. I think it gives me a chance to bring the ball out and I must stay focused. Usually, I’m quite quiet but I have to talk a lot more. I was playing with Jonny Evans and he

talks a lot. He said before the game we needed to make sure we carried on talking to know where our men were and let each other know what was happening. It makes everything easier. Michael Carrick played with us at West Ham too and he’s just different class.

Where do you feel your long-term role will be?
I think if we play five at the back, I would be the right-sided centre-half. I’d rather watch that player in the first team than the wing-back because, although I think I could play there, I’m not sure wing-back would be my natural position. I could do it but I see myself as a defender first and foremost. I’ve not played in midfield too much and I might have to grow to be a centre-back. If I do, I could play there but I can definitely be part of a central three.

What does it mean to you to play for United?
There is pride whenever I pull on the shirt. I know how hard I’ve got to work every day and I just have to try my best. The game is changing but we have one of the best youth systems around. It’s great if homegrown lads can come through because the fans back you.