Tomasz Kuszczak claims he is ready to rival Edwin van der Sar to
be United's first-choice keeper.
The Polish goalkeeper deputised for the ailing Dutchman against
Arsenal, and his performance was one of the major positives to come
from the defeat.
Kuszczak told The Sun: "My idol was always Peter Schmeichel - and
Edwin van der Sar. Its unbelievable to be following them but
slowly the emotion from having been transferred to Manchester
United is falling away.
"Now I want to realise part two of my plan - to fight for a regular
first- team place, because thats why I came here after all.
"Im having a rivalry with Edwin van der Sar, a living legend, but
that only motivates me further. If I was afraid of playing I
wouldnt be at Manchester United.
"Im not afraid. Ill get games and I hope that when Im playing I
do well.
"I got my chance quicker than I expected because Ive only been at
the club a few weeks. But this step forward is fantastic for me and
the adrenalin shock was massive."
Kuszczak's competitive debut was an eventful affair. Having
conceded and saved a 12th-minute penalty, he enjoyed an impressive
afternoon before Emmanuel Adebayor's late winner.
He said: "It was my second taste of playing at Old Trafford for
Manchester United and I would have liked to have kept a clean sheet
like in the 3-0 pre-season win against Seville.
"It didnt work out like that but I gave people a lot of emotion,
especially my dad Mirek.
"He told me that the penalty raised his blood pressure but when the
ref pointed to the spot it was a big shock for me too!"
Tomasz has settled well in Manchester after moving from West Brom,
and he admits he has already been forced to raise his game in
training.
He said: "Ive only been here a little while but I feel like Im at
home. Everyone is nice and there are no stuck-up stars, you can
talk to anyone.
"I know that Ive got a lot more work ahead of me and Ive got to
improve certain parts of my game. Thats the best way to have
success.
"Playing with such phenomenal players, I think I can go really far
here. You raise your game just by being around them to match
them."
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