Borthwick-Jackson: I Am Hungry For More

Cameron Borthwick-Jackson has impressed fans with his performances this season and the Manchester United prospect caught the eye again on Monday night, by delivering a mature interview to MUTV, spelling out his ambitions, after collecting his Under-21 Player of the Year award.

The 19-year-old spoke to Stewart Gardner at Old Trafford and was clearly delighted to have won his prize, which was one of his big aims for the 2015/16 season, but also quickly admitted that he is hungry to build on the 12 first-team appearances he has registered this campaign…

How does it feel to grab hold of that award?
It’s a huge honour for me, of course, it’s what you dream of coming up through the ranks. When I’ve been to award dinners in the past, I’ve seen people pick up this award and I challenged myself to win it this year and, thankfully, I’ve done it. As I say, it’s just been an incredible season for me.

If somebody had told you in July that you'd have this award and also played a dozen first-team games, would you have been surprised?
Yeah! My main objective before this season started was to establish myself in the Under-21s. As things have gone on, I’ve grasped the opportunity and am hungry for more. You can’t just rest on what you’ve done, you have to keep pushing on and keep doing what you’re doing. Hopefully, I’ll be in the manager’s thoughts for the future.

What was it like for you to make your debut at Old Trafford?
It was a dream come true, even better to do it at home as you’re walking out in front of your own fans, in front of 75,000 people. It’s the Theatre of Dreams; it’s unbelievable for me - an amazing feeling.

You come across as nerveless - did you have butterflies or did you slip into it easily?
I just came straight into the game, that’s just my character to get on with the game. I don’t get nervous, which I suppose you wouldn’t expect of someone at my age, but, no, they just don’t hit me. I usually block it out and get on with the game.

Does that make you hungry for more first-team action?
Yeah, it’s definitely made me hungry for more and that’s what you’ve got to do, push on. I’ve had the taste, playing 12 games, so I have to keep going. You can’t just rest on that, you want to aim to cement a place next season.

Have you learned a lot from the senior players?
Definitely! I’ve learnt a lot from the senior players this season who have given pointers and tips during the game. The pace of the game is much quicker, so that has really helped. I think the squad has helped me settle in and improve my overall game.

We've seen this season that, if you are playing well, then you will get your chance...
The history of the club shows that, if you play well, you’ll get your chance. If you’re good enough, you’re old enough; I don’t think any of the young players who have come into the squad have let the manager down.