Will Ryan stay at Stoke?

Ryan Shawcross says that he is not clear if Sir Alex Ferguson will allow the talented defender to remain at Stoke for the remainder of the season.

Tony Pulis has already said that the club are keen to try and extend Shawcross’s loan past Christmas, but having impressed everyone after scoring five goals, mostly with the benefit of his head, it’s not surprising that his future, whilst definitely rosy in the long term, is not yet clear in the short term.

Manchester United’s first task should be to tie the twenty year old down to another contract as his expires in the summer. Even the most optimistic Potters’ fan must believe that while Ryan has often said he is enjoying his time in the Potteries, he will know that there are bigger riches available at larger clubs than ours and the chances of signing him up on a permanent deal must be considered very slim.

But with first team football at Old Trafford not likely for this season at least, another stint at the Brit must be a good bet.