10 Man Utd Youngsters Who Never Fulfilled Their Potential
7. Kieran Richardson
Nine years ago, Kieran Richardson was a revelation in English football. Not only had he been West Broms saviour, adding the instant impetus needed to miraculously keep them in the top-flight, but he had seemingly announced himself as Englands solution to the left-wing problem, with two goals on his debut in a summer friendly with USA. Richardson had been a fixture in the Man United reserve side since 2001, but he was given sporadic opportunities to stake a claim in the first team in League Cup fixtures before he enjoyed a breakthrough 02/03 season, appearing on nine occasions and scoring his first goal for the Red Devils. He was also played a pivotal role in the youth teams FA Youth Cup win of 2003. But it wasnt until that loan spell at the Hawthorns, where he scored three goals in 12 games, including a vital last-day strike, that outsiders began to take notice of the 21 year olds talents. Richardson would go on to make 60 appearances for the Red Devils in all competitions over the next two seasons, often appearing at left-back. However, Englands once-bright hope for the left wing slot would only feature seven more times for the national side, as he slowly slipped into the abyss of Premier League mediocrity, following a move to Sunderland in 2007, where he has ambled between mid-table clubs, before eventually ending up at Aston Villa, as a 29 year old journeyman.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
