ERIC Djemba Djemba could be one Manchester United winner from the Olympic Games as he bids to establish himself at Old Trafford – and he won’t even be in Athens! Whilst Cristiano Ronaldo and Gabriel Heinze’s new campaigns will be delayed due to duty with Portugal and Argentina respectively in Athens, Djemba Djemba has avoided another disrupted season.
Cameroon won gold in Sydney 2000 but the Lions failed to qualify for the tournament in Greece that starts on August 11. And another ruined start to the season was the last thing the Cameroon midfielder wanted.
His debut campaign for the Reds after signing last summer for £3.5m from Nantes was wrecked by comings and goings.
« There were a lot of problems last year for me, » Eric told M.E.N. Sport.
« I had to return home to look after my mum when she was ill and then I had Olympic Games qualifiers with Cameroon and African Nations Cup matches. It wasn’t helpful at all for me settling into a new club and country.
« But this year everything is clear. This season is a big test for me now and I have nothing to impede it. Not going to the Olympics was disappointing for the country but I can now concentrate on United and not be catching up with things again. »
Last term the 23-year-old managed only 12 starts and 10 substitute appearances as he jetted back and forth.
But he’s played in both matches of United’s US tour against Bayern Munich and Celtic, and was set to start again today against AC Milan in New Jersey.
It has set him up for a crack at tying a permanent place down in United’s engine room
« I hope to play more and more games this year, » Eric added.
« Unlike last year I have a clear run at it. It is for me to work hard and get a place. Maybe this year I can do a lot better. It won’t be easy.
« It is a difficult task because we have Roy Keane and Paul Scholes and a lot of big players in midfield. But I believe in myself and I believe I can get a place.
« It was difficult to get into the different style last year. I didn’t have the consistency in training to work on things that the gaffer wanted me to improve and change.
« But it will be better for me this year. United fans haven’t seen the best of me and I hope to show them more of what I am about this season. »
