Richardson opts for Man Utd stay

Richardson's impressive form earned him an England call-up

Winger Kieran Richardson has opted not to return to West Bromwich Albion, saying he wants to fight for a first-team spot at Manchester United.

The England man had a successful loan spell at The Hawthorns last season, and Baggies boss Bryan Robson was hopeful the 20-year-old would return.

"I owe Bryan Robson a lot because he took a gamble on me when I didn't have a great deal of experience," he said.

"I know he wanted me to go back but I want to make it at Manchester United."

Richardson's fine performances at West Brom during the second half of the season contributed to the Baggies' successful fight against relegation.

They earned the midfielder a call-up for England's end-of-season tour to the United States, and he scored twice on his international debut in a 2-1 win over the home nation in Chicago.

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Richardson played for 45 minutes in United's 3-1 friendly win at Wrexham on Tuesday and boss Sir Alex Ferguson said he expected the youngster to press hard for a regular starting place.

"Kieran has made great improvements in his game," he told the Manchester Evening News.

"Obviously he wants first-team football but he is prepared to battle for it here. It's a challenge but he will get opportunities if he is playing well.

"I like to see ambition in young players and Kieran is showing that."

The news will be a blow to Robson, but the West Brom boss has previously said he feels he has enough cover in his squad to cope with Richardson's absence.