Shrishh Attavar
Former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster ‘hated every second’ of his time at Old Trafford
Ben Foster, the former goalkeeper who had stints with clubs like West Brom and Watford, recently opened up about his time at Manchester United, revealing that he “hated every second” of playing for the Red Devils. Despite seeing himself associated with teams like West Brom and Watford in the later stages of his career, Foster spent five years at Old Trafford, a period he found challenging.
Joining Manchester United in July 2005, Foster spent his initial seasons on loan at Watford before permanently departing for Birmingham in 2010. During his time at United, he struggled to secure regular playing time, largely due to the presence of Edwin van der Sar as the first-choice goalkeeper. Foster’s limited opportunities, combined with the intense pressure associated with playing for a club of United’s stature, led to significant personal challenges.
Reflecting on his time at United, Foster spoke about his feelings of “imposter syndrome,” a psychological phenomenon where individuals doubt their abilities and fear seeing themselves exposed as frauds. He admitted to feeling out of his depth and experiencing intense nervousness and fear of making mistakes on the pitch.
Here is what he told talkSPORT via Daily Star:
“It was at a time in my life, mid-20s, I look back at that person who played for United then, and it’s not me.”
“I was so wet behind the ears, I didn’t understand how anything worked in life, really. But I did [feel imposter syndrome].”
“I hated every second of it. I didn’t enjoy it. I was nervous, I was petrified of making a mistake, petrified of what the outside world would say about it.”
“That’s a bad way to go about it. When you go into games thinking the worst, or fearing the worst, you’re off to a bad start straight away.”
Fairs, Ben!
Foster’s honesty sheds light on the unseen challenges faced by professional athletes, even those playing for elite clubs like Manchester United. While fans often focus on the glamour and prestige of playing for such renowned teams, the reality for many players can be one of immense pressure and self-doubt.
Despite his difficult experiences at United, Foster’s time at the club undoubtedly contributed to his growth and development as a player. The lessons learned from facing adversity have shaped his character and resilience, both on and off the pitch. His willingness to share his struggles highlights the importance of mental well-being in professional sports and encourages others to seek support when facing similar challenges.
Foster’s journey serves as a reminder that success in sports is not just about physical prowess but also about mental strength and emotional resilience.
His candid reflections provide valuable insights into the realities of professional football and the toll it can take on players, both professionally and personally.
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While Foster may have “hated every second” of his time at Manchester United, his experiences have undoubtedly shaped him into the person and player he is today. By sharing his story, Foster hopes to inspire others to confront their own struggles and persevere in the face of adversity. Don’t be afraid Altay, Onana is not as good as Edwin.
