Ricardo made only five appearances during three years at Manchester United and while his spell at the club might be forgettable for many, it has helped shape the former goalkeeper’s life.
The Spain international signed for United in the summer of 2002, after being part of his national team’s squad at the World Cup in South Korea and Japan, in the hope he could provide competition to Fabian Barthez and Roy Carroll.
Twice capped for Spain, Ricardo had been heavily scouted by Sir Alex Ferguson and was given his first chance in United’s Champions League opener against Maccabi Haifa when he was brought on in place of Barthez for the last 23 minutes.
He went on to start three games in the competition that season but only ever played once for the Red Devils in the Premier League, as a half-time substitute against Blackburn Rovers when his very first contribution was to give away and then save a penalty.
“I remember Barthez got injured so I had to come on for the second half,” Ricardo says. “There was a long ball and Rio Ferdinand headed it, but the striker got in front of me and I fouled him.
“David Dunn took the penalty to my left and it was a good save and my most incredible moment in Manchester.”
Though that was to be Ricardo’s first and last Premier League appearance, he enjoyed his three-year spell in Manchester and certainly holds no grudges over his lack of opportunities.
“It was a little bit of a surprise for everyone (when I moved to Old Trafford) but very important for the club and for me because Real Valladolid got money for me and it was a very good opportunity for me to play in Manchester.
“He (Ferguson) didn’t tell me much directly, but he was very nice with me, he told me about Spanish football and how he watched me closely in my first training at United. I could see in his face, he was very happy with me.
“Obviously, he signed me because I got my caps with Spain. I would have liked to have had more opportunities, but this is football. At that time Fabian Barthez and Roy Carroll were in front of me and it was very difficult to get the No.1 spot.
“Maybe Sir Alex Ferguson tried me in the Champions League games to see what I could do. I would have liked to have played more in the cup or the league games, but that did not happen. I don’t know why, I will never know.”
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Ricardo spent his second year on United’s books out on loan at Racing Santander before returning to Old Trafford for the…
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