Manchester United star Morgan Schneiderlin craves huge season by declaring: ‘I want to eat football’
French midfielder reveals hunger for success as he aims to impress Jose Mourinho after Euro 2016 disappointment
MORGAN SCHNEIDERLIN has outlined his ambition for an unforgettable season with Manchester United by declaring: "I want to eat football!"
The French midfielder suffered disappointment this summer when he failed to register a minute at Euro 2016 as his country suffered defeat in the final against Portugal.
With Jose Mourinho now in charge at United, the 26-year-old has quickly put those woes behind him, and he clearly has not lost his appetite for the beautiful game as he revealed he is hungrier than ever for success.
Schneiderlin said: "I’m not going to deny it was frustrating in the summer.
"Even if we [France] did well in the Euros. Every player wants to play.
"I wanted to play. It was the not the case but it’s made me even hungrier and even more determined to have a good season.
"I want to work hard. I don’t want to go through that spell again. I want to work hard to be very good this season so, yes, now I just want to play and to enjoy it."
Competition for a spot in the United midfield is set to become even stronger with the impending arrival of Schneiderlin's fellow countryman Paul Pogba from Juventus.
And the challenge of competing against one of the world's best and earning a spot in Mourinho's line-up is something the former Southampton star is relishing.
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Schneiderlin said: "Every player wants to play but with competition you improve. With quality players, you improve every time so, yes, I’m going to give my best and after, I always say, it’s the manager’s choice which is the best pair he wants to play or the best midfield three he wants to put in.
"I’m going to fight for my place every day and will see what is going to be. But, of course, I want to play.
"Like I said, I’m hungrier after last season, it was not the season I expected and I want to prove myself. I want to eat football!"
The season's first piece of silverware is up for grabs this Sunday when FA Cup winners United take on Premier League champions Leicester City at Wembley in the Community Shield.
And with a new man at the helm, the boss and the whole of the Red Devils squad are desperate to kick-off the campaign by lifting the trophy at the national stadium.
Schneiderlin, speaking to MUTV, added: "It’s a serious trophy. The manager has made us aware of the fact that he wants to win it. So we know that it is very important.
"We are playing the champions of England. We want to show we are there and we are ready to go in the Premier League. What better way to start than by lifting a trophy?"