Manchester United youngster Tyler Blackett has revealed he is living the dream after breaking into the first team squad at Old Trafford.
Blackett, a central defender by trade who has also deputised at left back, joined the first team fold during pre-season, impressing Louis van Gaal.
With a host of first team defenders, including Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones, all sidelined through injury, Blackett and fellow academy graduate Paddy McNair have solidified their places in the squad of the 20-times league champions.
“My whole childhood revolved around the game and I always wanted to play professionally,” the 20-year-old explained during an interview for the club’s official matchday programme.
“I never had a back-up plan for what I might do if things didn’t work out at United.
“It was always about playing football for me and I was determined to make it happen. It was basically football or nothing, which might have been risky but that was how I saw it.
“Thankfully, it seems to be working out for me.”
Despite a calamitous start to the season, Van Gaal’s side have steadied the ship in recent weeks, with two consecutive home victories against West Ham and Everton lifting United into fourth place heading into the second international break of the season.
Much of this recent success has been attributed to the deadline day signings of Radamel Falcao and Daley Blind, while Angel Di Maria has taken the Premier League by storm since arriving from Real Madrid.
But Blackett is confident that he will still get the chance to show his worth as the season progresses, despite United’s large squad only having to play once a week due to a lack of European competition.
“It makes me feel proud,” he continued.
“When you see the club spending money in the transfer window, some players might look at that and think they won’t get their chance to impress but I’ve never felt like that.
“This club always give young players a chance and I’m hoping to take advantage of that.”
Main image courtesy of Birmingham City FC via YouTube, with thanks.
