Cambridge United’s new signing Ben Knight – formerly of Manchester City and Real Murcia – likened to club legend Wes Hoolahan
Cambridge United head coach Neil Harris has likened new signing Ben Knight to club legend Wes Hoolahan.
Supporters got their first sight of Knight in a U’s shirt yesterday afternoon during the 3-1 pre-season friendly win at Cambridge City.
The playmaker, who joined Manchester City as a 16-year-old from Ipswich Town and later went on to have a brief spell in Spain with Real Murcia, showed some bright glimpses during his 45 minutes on the pitch at the FWD-IP Community Stadium.
Linking well with full-back Liam Bennett down the right hand side of the pitch, the 22-year-old drifted inside at will, finding himself in dangerous pockets of space on numerous occasions. And he almost capped the performance with a free-kick that went just wide of the target.
And while Harris has conceded that Knight will need to be managed correctly over the coming weeks and months in terms of his match minutes, he sees similarities between the new addition and Hoolahan, who became a firm favourite of the United fanbase during his two seasons with the club.
“It’s not so much been injuries over the last couple of years, it’s just he was at Manchester City and Real Murcia – two unbelievably good football clubs where he just couldn’t force his way in,” said Harris.
“He’s played in the Community Shield in front of 90,000 people as a false nine for Man City.
“He’s been fit and had the intention to play, it’s just his game record does match his age.
“We understand that he can’t go and play every game. We’ve got to make sure we take care of him over the course of pre-season and at the start of the season.
“He’s got the ability to unlock a defence and he’s got that moment of magic. Our fanbase will be well used to seeing Wes Hoolahan and they’ll watch Ben Knight and see he’s got a lot of attributes very similar.
“He’s got a great attitude – without the ball as well. We’ve just got to make sure we look after him.”
