Alexander Buttner insists he does not want to leave Manchester United.
The Dutchman’s position at Old Trafford has been under threat ever since new manager David Moyes made his big-money bid for Leighton Baines during the summer, and then switched his attentions to Fabio Coentrao on transfer deadline-day – although neither move came off.
As Moyes has since spoken passionately about Patrice Evra’s influence at United, it pointed firmly to Buttner being ushered out of the exit door.
The 24-year-old has been linked with moves to both Galatasaray and Tottenham in recent weeks and given the problems Moyes is presently wrestling with at United, Buttner could be forgiven for feeling a move is the best solution to his own lack of opportunities.
However, speaking after Sunday’s 2-1 FA Cup defeat by Swansea, when he was handed only his fifth start of the campaign, the former Vitesse Arnhem defender was adamant nothing could be further from the truth.
“I know there are some clubs that want me but I’m happy here and want to play for Manchester United,” said Buttner.
“I don’t want to leave. I want to fight for my place.
“I don’t care if people talk about other players in my position. I just want to play my game and show that I can handle this level.
“I know what I can do. I am still young and focussed 100 percent on being here. I just have to wait for my chance and take it.”
On another desperate day for United, Buttner was one of the few who emerged with any credit.
In the first-half particularly, he exploited the space down United’s left flank, delivered a superb cross for Javier Hernandez equaliser and created danger for Swansea on numerous other occasions.
“The players know that I will always try to cross the ball, which is why Javier got his goal,” said Buttner.
“It was nice to play. I want to play every game. But it is hard because we lost. If we win, the feeling is different.”
Written by George Coomber