Will Mannion delighted to make Cambridge United and Football League debut against Charlton Athletic
Will Mannion will no doubt forever remember Tuesday, April 19, 2022.
It was the date of his Football League debut and first appearance for Cambridge United, in goal for the 2-0 defeat to Charlton Athletic in Sky Bet League One.
The 23-year-old keeper was powerless to stop the two goals from the Addicks, which both came about through wicked deflections to totally wrong-foot the shot-stopper.
However, it was a memorable night for Mannion, who was named the sponsors’ man of the match.
“Obviously we were hoping for a much better result than that, two lucky goals on their part. Two deflections. But it happens, it’s football,” said Mannion.
“I think we were probably the better team in the first half, and they were the better team in the second half so a draw would have been a fair result but obviously it didn’t pan out that way.
“But I’m happy to make my debut and hopefully it is the first of many.
“You just try to look at it as another game. Preparation doesn’t change. Obviously I’ve got the butterflies that you get every game beforehand and it’s just making sure you put in a good performance and focusing on doing well.
“You’re hoping the first thing you do is good.”
Mannion has had to bide his time for a chance for United since joining at the start of the season on a one-year deal.
First-choice keeper Dimi Mitov has been in superlative form, Kai McKenzie-Lyle was chosen for the Papa John’s Trophy matches, and Mannion had a spell out on loan at Havant & Waterlooville.
However, he has always been ready if called upon.
“You have to know your place as a goalkeeper, you have to know your role,” said Mannion.
“My role was being No 2, supporting Dimi, who has done fantastic this season and we’re best mates really.
“I hope he does well every game really, but you’ve just got to be there to support him, wait for your chance and be ready.
“You’ve always got to push the other goalkeeper to do well as well because it obviously helps the team on where we want to go.”
With Mitov, Mannion, McKenzie-Lyle, Mannion and some of the club’s younger keepers all pushing each other on under the watchful eye of goalkeeping coach Martin Davies, it has created a strong unit this season.
“It’s healthy competition I would say which is good, we need that to push each other because it obviously makes us all better,” added Mannion.
“There is only one shirt, so there are some things you can do about it and others you can’t but you have to make sure that you’re doing your job properly and sometimes you have to know your role as the No 2 and you have to support whoever is playing.”
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