CHESTS N' COLLARS

I've been quite happy with it. I've always said that I'd like to score more goals, and I've got off to a good start this season so hopefully I can carry that on.

Speaking of goals you've played upfront a bit of late, how have you found that?

It's something I enjoy. I'm used to it in that I played upfront as a kid and in the youth team. Sometimes it suits my game to play there. I can equally have balls put over the top and turn defenders or I can have the ball at my feet and turn and run at them. It's different as you're more involved upfront than on the wing, as you rely on service out there.

In all the teams you have played in which team-mate has inspired you the most and why?

Eric had a big influence on everyone, just because of the way he was, his character, the way he applied himself. But I could equally apply that to most of the captains I've played under – Peter Schmeichel, Bryan Robson, Roy Keane, Steve Bruce. They've all had a big effect on me.

So what did you learn from Eric?

Just the way he applied himself and prepared himself for games during the week in training. He would go out and do on the pitch what he'd been doing in training, which only a handful of players can do. His aura was different. He was French, he had the big chest, the collar up. Just things like that you hadn't seen before.

What was he like in training?

He was just how he was on the pitch. I got on really well with Eric, I really liked him, and most of the lads who played with him will say the same as there was that mysterious thing about Eric. Well, everyone thought he was mysterious but he was just like any other lad, he'd go out for a drink with the rest of us. He was just great.

Do you envisage seeing out your career at United?

Well you want to play for the best club against other top clubs, and that's what we do at United. We're going for trophies, and playing with the best players in Europe, maybe the world. I'm quite happy.