United fan Dyer eager to shine

Published Nov. 18, 2011 1:16 p.m. ET

foxsports

Dyer, 23, has been a United supporter since he was a boy and has marvelled at the succession of brilliant wingers to have graced the Old Trafford club, including Giggs, Nani, Andrei Kanchelskis and his hero Ronaldo. "They have had so many great wingers," he said. "First it was Giggs and then it was Ronaldo and then Nani. "I also trained with Kanchelskis when he went to Southampton, so that was great. "You look at players like Giggs and Nani and they have so much ability although you shouldn't just look at one or two of them, because they are all great players. "But I have always looked at their wingers and midfield players. I remember when I was young my Mum used to love Bryan Robson, but for me when Ronaldo was at United, he was my favourite." The former Southampton midfielder has been winning plenty of plaudits of his own this season. Dyer, last term's Supporters' Player of the Year, has been arguably the pick of the Swans' side since their step up to the top flight. Another performance of his trademark pace and trickery helped the Welsh club to a goalless draw against Liverpool at Anfield last time out, and has even led a few pundits to mention him as a candidate for a place in the England squad. But Dyer insists he is not paying any attention to such talk, although it is an ambition he is keen to fulfil. "I don't take any notice of that, it is a long way from my mind," he said. "It's nice to get mentioned but I feel as though I have to improve before I deserve a chance. "However, it is a burning ambition of mine. To get to the Premier League with Swansea was an ambition, now to play for England, somewhere down the line, is another ambition. "I have wanted to get there since I was young so my sights are still set on that." Although 10th-placed Swansea are protecting an unbeaten home record, Sir Alex Ferguson's visitors will start as overwhelming favourites to take the three points on Saturday when they make their first visit to the Liberty Stadium. But Dyer says Brendan Rodgers' side will show no fear, having already tested themselves against Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool. "We had the belief two years ago that we were a Premier League side and I believe that the way we are playing football now is the way it should be played," he said. "We are showing that we can play good football against some of the great players and it's good to showcase that talent. "It's going to be really tough against United because they have been at the top of the league for many years now and have 19 league titles behind them. "But we have played against the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea already, so we know what it's all about. "We will give them the respect they deserve, but not too much. After all, we are here for the points and to make sure that we stay in the league."