The Shaggy Haired One

The Next Giggsy?

However, the question all the Manchester United fans are still asking is whether Park can truly fill the boots of United legend, Ryan Giggs? The jury is still out on Park at Manchester United in terms of his role as natural successor to the United legend. Undoubtedly an extremely exciting prospect going forward, full of guile and tireless energy- there are question marks over his defensive awareness and also the quality and consistency of his crossing in the final third. With the long-term injury to Gabriel Heinze, United suddenly look somewhat vulnerable down the left flank- demonstrated embarrassingly recently by Middlesborough.

Settling In

When one compares Park Ji-Sung to some of the other transfer buys of Manchester United in recent years- many more high profile than Park, one has to say that he has settled in better than most. The likes of Veron, Saha, Kleberson, Djemba-Djemba and Forlan never seemed to settle in as well as Park has done- and much of this must come down to attitude. Not just the hard work, but also the humility. As Park has said over his role as a substitute in many games: "It's a bit like playing pokies - I know if I do well during those 5 minutes, the coach will give me 10 minutes or even 15. I'll take it slow and do my best"

The Future

While not the first Asian player to play for a Premiership team, Park Ji-Sung is the first to join one of the big, big clubs. For all of Chelsea's recent success, Manchester United is still the most famous and supported club football team in South Korea and South East Asia- a fact that has only further enhanced Park's national iconic status. There is nobody in South Korea who would bet against Park Ji-Sung, sometimes nicknamed the "pocket battleship", becoming a Manchester United legend. And when one sees the incredible energy, intelligence, awareness and dedication that Park has shown in his early career as a Red Devil, one would have to agree.