Marlon Harewood: Our hard work’s just begun

Nov 30 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

Hughton has been happy with Harewood’s attitude but knows that with a small budget, he has to carefully weigh up whether to extend his loan.

United are covering the striker’s estimated £25,000 weekly wage and will want to see more of the same if he is to extend his stay beyond December.

“From day one that he came to the club, Marlon has fought for the cause. If you speak to the lad, the most important thing for him is that the team wins,” United’s manager said.

“He’s shown, both in training and games, that he’s got fitter in the period of time he’s been at the club.

“Marlon’s loan is up at the end of December – he misses the final game of the year – and I clearly have a decision to make. But that’s not the only big decision I have to make in the next two or three weeks. There are a few things to think about, but the most important thing is that I make the right decision for this football club. There’s nothing in place with Aston Villa about Marlon.”

Harewood would clearly love that situation to change, however, and is hoping to improve with more games.

“I’d love to have it extended and I’d love to be part of this for the rest of the season,” he said. “I don’t know whether there’s been any moves behind the scenes to extend it I’ve just got to keep my head down and keep coming in day in day out and look forward to the games.

“I wouldn’t say I’m close to where I want to be (fitness-wise) I’ve just basically started, but I’m training hard and working hard and I’m trying to get up to where the other lads are in terms of fitness.

“It takes a while to get to know your team-mates to know where to make the runs, it’s hard at first but you have to keep working hard.”