Watford star credits five-year spell at Man Utd to successful career

WATFORD defender Craig Cathcart has credited his time at Manchester United's academy to his successful career so far.

 

The 26-year-old arrived at Old Trafford as a youngster in 2005, but his only senior appearances came on loan spells at Royal Antwerp, Plymouth and the Hornets.

The Northern Ireland international left for a permanent deal at Blackpool in 2010 before joining Watford on a free transfer last year.

 

And Cathcart, who has started for Watford in every Premier League game this term, is thankful for his five-year stint at the Red Devils as the two clubs go head-to-head at Vicarage Road tomorrow afternoon (12:45pm).

"It was massive for me and you see it all the time," Cathcart said of his stay at United. 

"Players leave United but it's not the end of their careers. They go on to have good, solid careers all through the leagues and I'm no different myself. 

 

Craig Cathcart faces former club Manchester United tomorrow at Vicarage Road

 

Craig Cathcart has helped Watford to five clean sheets in the Premier League this term

"It was good training to get under my belt there and good grounding as well. I developed a little bit slower than I would have liked but now I've matured a bit. 

"Playing a lot of games helps as well and I'm happy with the way things are going at the moment."