Rio's too good for Ryan

Ryan Shawcross

Birthdate: 4 October 1987

Birthplace: Chester, England

Position: Defender

United Appearances: 2

United Goals: 0

United Debut: 25 October 2006 vs Crewe Alexandra (Carling Cup, away)

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Promising United defender Ryan Shawcross has ditched Rio Ferdinand as his role model in favour of a rival club's captain.

But the young Red isn't being disloyal when he cites Chelsea's John Terry as the example he follows - he's merely making an honest appraisal of his style.

"Terry's the main one, he’s a tough defender," says Shawcross. “I used to model myself on Rio but he’s too good on the ball for me.”

Powerful centre-back Shawcross, 20, is currently on a six month loan deal at Stoke City and enjoying every second of it. He's making a big impact in the Championship and was the division's Player of the Month for October.

“I’ve enjoyed it because I’ve been playing a lot of games and scoring a few goals," explains Shawcross.

“I came to Stoke for first team experience and that’s what I’ve got.”

Ryan's first team experience at United has so far been limited to pre-season friendlies and just two competitive games - his debut in last season's Carling Cup victory at Crewe and the defeat at Southend in the next round. He then spent several months at Royal Antwerp in Belgium, helping them to reach the play-offs.

“I enjoyed my time at Antwerp, it’s a really nice culture out there. But (football wise) it was much more relaxed with not as much pressure on the ball. It’s definitely not as tough as the English league.

"Now I'm playing in the Championship and it’s been really tough because you have to fight for everything.

"Playing against 16 and 17 year olds in the reserve league doesn't really improve you but at Stoke I'm playing against men every week and it's 100 miles per hour. It's a great experience and it toughens you up."

Shawcross hopes his development at Stoke will lead to a career in the Premier League. But in the short term there's a decision to be made by Sir Alex and Potters boss Tony Pulis about the second half of this season.

"At Christmas the two gaffers will have to sit down and decide what I’m going to do," says Ryan. "But for now, I just want to play as many games as I can for Stoke and win as many as we can."