Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Cameron Steward- Manchester United next wing wizard

In December 2009, Manchester United travelled to VfL Wolfsburg for a Champions League Group B tie.

United ran out 3-1 winners, with Michael Owen hitting a hat-trick for the visitors and new Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko netting for the hosts.

But the match was particularly memorable for a largely unknown Manchester lad who didn't even step onto the Volkswagen Arena pitch.

Then-18-year-old Cameron Stewart was called up to Alex Ferguson's injury hit first-team squad, and although he ended up being an unused substitute, the experience of being around some of the best players in the world in the best club competition in the world has done him a world of good.


"Just being around the first team, training on the pitch and travelling with them wakes you up," he said back then.

Stewart certainly returned from the trip hungry for success, and at his current adopted club Hull he is showing signs of his wing wizardly that has seen him dubbed the "English Ronaldo."


History

Stewart made his debut for the Manchester United academy in 2006, rising through the youth ranks and also earning four caps for England Under 17s.

He broke into the reserve side in the 2008/2009 season, playing 16 times, including in the Manchester Senior Cup and Lancashire Senior Cup finals.


He was particularly impressive in a Manchester Senior Cup match against Bury, scoring once and providing two assists in a 5-0 win, and his displays earned him five caps for England Under 19s, the first coming in August 2009.

He continued to play for the United reserves the following season, but was soon rewarded with his dream Champions League call-up. He then returned to help United reserves to the 2009/10 Double.

In July 2010, Stewart joined Yeovil Town on loan, playing five times for the League One side, and moved to Hull City , again on loan, in November.


Stewart was initially loaned to the Tigers until January, but he has been so instrumental there that his deal has been extended until the end of the season, much to the delight of coach Nigel Pearson.

"His ability to run with the ball with pace is a big threat. Pace in any side gives you a different dimension," said the Hull manager.


Strengths

Stewart is a fast, skillful right winger with a great first touch and wonderful crossing abilities.

He has quick feet, isn’t afraid to take players on, and, just like Ronaldo, loves to use stopovers to outwit his opponents.


He is capable of scoring spectacular goals with his thunderous shot from distance, and, also like the Portuguese star, he is expert at cutting in from the flank and can also play as a striker. Due to his abilities and versatility, he can play on the left wing, too, and has done so for Hull this season.

Stewart is an energetic and positive player, always looking to make things happen for his side. He has a high work-rate and is an excellent team player, capable of creating chances for his teammates as well as of course for himself.


Weaknesses

As can be expected for player of his age, size and slight build, Stewart is a little weak and needs to add muscle mass and toughen up before he can play regularly at the top level.
And unsurprisingly for a skillful and inexperienced winger, he needs to improve his decision making.

But he is sure to rid his game of both of those weaknesses with time. 



Mentality

Stewart is ambitious and extremely eager to learn. He has a great attitude and works very hard in training.

He has no disciplinary issues, either on or off the field, and his Manchester United coach at under 18 level, Paul McGuiness, said he was a pleasure to work with.

“He puts a lot of energy and enthusiasm into training, which, to go with the ability he has got should see him progress quickly,” said McGuiness.


Current situation

Stewart has made a major contribution at Hull and, although yet to find the net, he has set up three goals in his seven games so far.


Stewart's Manchester United contract expires at the end of the season. And while he was delighted to be in the company of the Red Devils greats, now, after tasting first-team action, he is unsure about whether to return to Old Trafford and fight for his place in the star-studded side, despite Alex Ferguson's willingness over the years to throw the kids into the deep end.

"I've only got six months left on my contract at United and I don't know if it's going to get extended," Stewart said recently.

"I'm really unsure at the moment so I've come here to play first-team football, get my name out there and then see where I am at the end of the season."

"There's only so much you can learn in training, no matter who those players are.
"Any young lad needs to be playing games to develop. It's one thing playing reserve games but first-team football means so much more.


"You're out there trying to win three points and climb the table, every time you play it's a big deal. This is a big man's game."

Cardiff City and Leeds United have been linked with his services, and should Stewart continue to progress, there's no reason he can’t ply his trade in the "big man's game" for a big side.  

And some time in the future, he may follow the likes of Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs and David Beckham to become another legendary Manchester United wide man.

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