Manchester United goalkeeper Dermot Mee insists he happily signed a new deal knowing he would be the club's fourth choice - which he claims is "not deflating".
The Northern Irishman was given a rare outing as he played in United's pre-season victory over Leeds at Croke Park in Dublin. He was afforded his moment in the spotlight as the game, which ended 1-1 after 90 minutes, went to penalties. Mee was able to produce the crucial saves which handed United victory in their penultimate pre-season victory.
Content with role despite limited minutes
The 23-year-old recently extended his deal at Old Trafford, but did so knowing he would be fourth in the pecking order. Senne Lammens has established himself as the team's No.1 and underneath him Michael Carrick has Karl Darlow, who arrived on a free this summer, and veteran Tom Heaton.
It means Mee will need a fair chunk of luck to go his way if he's to enjoy any notable minutes this term, but he was not put off by his standing within the squad and was determined to remain with his boyhood club. He even went as far to suggest that his role was made harder than many would think.
Mee explains decision to stay
"You have to think about every contract you sign, whether it's an insurance contract or a football contract," he said. "You just have to weigh up the pros and cons. For me, being at Manchester United since 11, it was really hard to turn down. I love the club, I love being here, and I want to help the team to do really well this season. It's not deflating. From the outside it seems a lot harder than it is."
"I train every day with some of the best players in the world, so if anything, that could be harder than stepping into the games and being on the bench and being ready."
Goalkeeper departures at Old Trafford
United have just allowed Radek Vitek to join Middlesbrough whilst Andre Onana has headed back out on loan to Trabzonspor for the second straight year. The Cameroonian's move to Manchester has failed to work out, leaving the club searching for a safe pair of hands for two years now. Altay Bayindir has also moved on.
