You played in some high profile matches during the World Cup. Has it been hard to come back and not be involved in matches with United?
It’s been very frustrating. I had a great World Cup, and when you come back from the tournament you want to join in with your "other" team. But I had an operation on my Achilles so I’ve missed out on the start of the season. It’s frustrating but you have to stay positive.
You and Diego were notable scorers in the World Cup finals, at the time did you think such a high profile goal may help your chances of a first team place at United?
Not really, to be honest. It’s great to play well for your country and when you do well you want to carry that on for your club. But the manager doesn’t really take notice of international form, it’s what you do here that counts. If you do well in training then you’ll get your chance.
Has the frustration of not being able to command a permanent first team place ever made you consider moving? You have been linked with moves to Italy and Japan...
Like every other player I just want to play every week. But with the standard of players we have here you can’t expect to just walk into the team. You have to improve your game, your fitness. I understand now what it takes to get into the team. The moves to Italy and Japan were news to me! I’m still here, so…
When you come into a match as substitute you only get a short amount of time to impress the manager – does that make it hard to relax and play your normal game?
It’s hard because you want to do everything in the short space of time you’re given. The manager looks at you off the field as well as on, though – he looks at your attitude, all sorts of things. He’s looking at you all week, not just for that ten or twenty minutes.
How difficult is it to maintain your sharpness when you are not playing regularly?
It’s hard, but training keeps you fit and playing in Reserve matches gets you match fit. If you carry on working and playing well it makes it hard for the Gaffer to leave you out.
You replaced Keane as a sub in the quarter final against Deportivo and kept your place for the return leg, as well as playing the full match at Bayern Munich - what are your memories of those three great Euro performances?
Well it was a shame we had to play without Keaney, but I came on and just did what I had to do. I enjoyed it when I came on.
What do you think has been your best performance for United so far?
I think every game is my best performance. I like to think I’m getting better all the time, with every game I play in. Hopefully I’ll keep that going this season.
You face strong competition for a starting place in the United team, particularly from Ryan Giggs. Knowing this some would say you made a brave decision to join the club…
I didn’t look at Giggsy as a challenge, or anything like that. I just thought about my game and what I had to do to get into the team. Ryan’s a great player and you have to respect him for what he’s done over the years. But I just do what I have to do.
Do you see yourself as back-up to Ryan, or more than that?
I’m more than that, definitely. I want to be seen as a United player in my own right.
How different is playing in Europe to playing in the league?
The pace is the main difference. It’s much slower in Europe and much more technical. I enjoy both styles – I’ve had good games in both competitions.
Are European defenders more ruthless than those you meet in the Premier League?
No, the Premiership is much harder!
Who’s the hardest defender you’ve played against?
I’d have to say it was someone here at the club. Ronny Johnsen was very strong, and Jaap Stam was so powerful. The guys still here are tough, too – Gary, Phil, Keaney. Playing in games is easy after training with them!
What do you know about Maccabi Haifa? Have you played against any of their players?
No, I don’t know anything about them to be honest. I don’t think I’ve ever played against any of their players, either.
United suffered a shock defeat to Zalaegerszeg in the qualifying round. What factors do you think contributed to that defeat, and how can United avoid another stumble against lower ranked opposition tonight?
I don’t think it was over-complacency. I never had a sense that the lads were over-confident. We had lots of chances during the game, and we just couldn’t finish them. You worry when you’re not making chances. The conditions were unusual, too, so you’ve got to give the lads credit for playing as well as they did.
In a recent interview Roy Keane said you would be his first pick for a five-a-side team because you get stuck in. That must be quite a compliment…
Just to be named by Roy in one of his interviews is an honour. I respect him so much as a person and a player. I just wish that one day I’ll be able to play like him.
What influence has he had on your career over the past few years?
He doesn’t have to say anything to you to be an influence, you just follow his example. He’s the best role model, not just for us at United but for every kid around the world, of how to play football. His passion and dedication are clear for everyone to see, and those are the things you have to have to be successful and achieve your dreams.
Having broken through at an early age you were the youngest player ever to be capped by South Africa -- what do you think of United's current crop of youngsters and who do you think has the best chance of making it to the top?
We have loads – Kieran Richardson, Danny Pugh, Mark Lynch, Danny Webber, Jimmy Davis. But now it’s down to them. They have the greatest gift that any kid could wish for – to be at Manchester United and to be amongst all the great players in the first team. All the blessings are there for them to make it, it’s down to them now. They have to work hard and be honest with themselves.
Are you looking after our new arrival, Ricardo?
He doesn’t need my help, he’s crazy. He’s a good goalkeeper, but absolutely mad!