LEFT HAND, RIGHT HAND WHERE ARE YOU?

Last updated : 14 June 2007 By Editor

Alex Black:

"He's still got two years left at arguably the biggest football club in the world. He's got every confidence in himself to stay and fight. Alan remains contracted to United for the next two years so unless the club decides to sell him he intends to stay."

Yesterday we reported Alan Smith saying:

"If they are going to sell me, I'd like to know. But I won't find out unless I get to speak to the manager.

"If you're no longer wanted, then you have to consider your options.

"I want to be out there from the start.

"If the manager tells me he wants me, I'm there for him. If he says he doesn't, it's time to move on.

"I know I'm good enough to play for Manchester United, or any other team in the Premiership, and I will prove that to anyone who doubts it.

"I've done everything I could do in terms of my effort and commitment to United and that's what a lot of people questioned when I first signed. They thought I wouldn't be the same as I was at Leeds. There has been a great response from the fans when I play and even when I don't play. It's fantastic. To hear the Stretford End sing my name as they do, considering which club I came from, means everything to me. They have always known I will give everything.

"Coming through a serious injury like I did, which was career-threatening, has made me mentally strong. That's why what is going on at the moment is not such a big deal. There were occasions when I wondered if I'd ever get back to the player I was. I know there were those who thought it was over for me as a Premiership footballer. But I'm fine now and it was brilliant to end the season the way I did. I helped United to the title, got a Premiership winner's medal, scored for England B against Albania and played against Brazil in the first full international at the new Wembley. If anyone had told me that would happen as I looked down at my wrecked leg at Anfield, I would not have believed them.

"The amount of letters and support I got from United fans and supporters from everywhere, including Leeds, was unbelievable. It was overwhelming and makes you realise why you're involved in the game and how much people do appreciate you. No one can ever take that away."