PHILLIP BARDSLEY

26. PHILLIP BARDSLEY

• Born: 28 June 1985, Salford
• Signed: 1 July 2001, trainee
• Other Previous Clubs: None
• Debut: 3 December 2003 v West Brom (A) - Carling Cup

Salford-born defender Phil Bardsley began his three-year scholarship in July 2001.

He played at centre-back for the Under-17s and FA Youth Cup team in his first season.

He was a member of the triumphant Youth Cup-winning side in 2002/2003, before gaining his first taste of senior football in United's 2-0 Carling Cup defeat at West Brom in December 2003.

He played the full 90 minutes at right back with Sir Alex Ferguson describing his performance as "outstanding" despite the defeat.

Phil was farmed out to Belgium to help feeder club Royal Antwerp in their relegation battle at the end of the 2003/04 season. Despite an impressive four month spell, Phil was unable to help them avoid slipping down to the second division.

Since returning to Old Trafford, Phil has been a regular in the Reserves and is now a fully-fledged member of the first team squad.