Source: Northern_Echo
Striker’s dreams come true
MANCHESTER United fan Asamoah Gyan admits it will be a dream to walk out at Old Trafford, but insists he is focused on Sunderland, writes STEPH CLARK.[LNB] Growing up in Ghana, the £13m striker supported the Red Devils because of his father, who also played, and admits his hero was controversial Frenchman Eric Cantona.[LNB] Although the striker has spent the majority of his career in Europe, the ex Rennes and Udinese man has never been to Old Trafford. Gyan admits it will be a big moment to walk out at Old Trafford, but warns the league leaders he will be focused on getting a victory for the Black Cats.[LNB] I've been waiting for this for a very long time, said the Ghana international. You do follow the English leagues in Ghana. I supported Man United since I was a boy. My hero was Eric Cantona.[LNB] I hope I can score there because although I'm a Man United fan I'm doing my job. I have to stay positive so we're going there to win. Maybe I'll try and swap shirts definitely it will happen. I don't know whose shirt, any player![LNB] I liked United because they played good football. When I was young I didn't really understand how football was, I just watched great players.[LNB] My dad was a Man United fan for many, many years. His favourite player was Pallister, because he played in defence.[LNB] I liked Cantona because he was a great player, his personality and everything. He also had good character and he could do anything at any time. I liked his quality and personality. He had a strong character but he tried to make sure he did the right thing on the pitch. That's the most important thing.[LNB] I didn't watch a lot of the highlights, but I watched the game against Bayern Munich in 1999. I watched it in Ghana at home with my dad. I've never been to Old Trafford. I'll be very happy to go there.[LNB] Gyan struggled for fitness when he first arrived on Wearside in the summer, but now says he is match fit and raring to get more goals in a red and white shirt. And despite the fact his family support Man United, the World Cup star reveals they will be supporting Sunderland on Sunday.[LNB] It was much harder than I thought at the start. I came here, I would say, 30 per cent fit, said Gyan. I scored on my debut. I was suffering because of my physical progress, I hadn't played for 20 days before the first game against Wigan.[LNB] The coach understood that so he gave me time. It wasn't an injury. I'm getting better, I'm fit to play 90 minutes. My father will want me to win, even though he's a United fan.[LNB] Sometimes that's what happens. My friends support other teams and sometimes they expect me to score or the game to end in a draw. But my family's my family, they are behind me.[LNB]
