Nick Powell Admits He Needed to Leave Manchester United to Play More First-Team Football

Nick Powell was on the phone to his agent throughout transfer deadline day in order to secure a move away from Manchester United so he could gain regular first-team football this season.

Powell, 20, sealed a season-long loan move to Leicester City just before the summer transfer window closed after failing to force his way into Louis van Gaal's first-team plans at Old Trafford.

The England Under-21 international excelled during his stay at Wigan Athletic last season and is eager to build on that in the Premier League with Nigel Pearson's side, although he realises he will not simply walk into the first team at the King Power Stadium.

"I was on to my agent all day and he is probably sick of my voice but I am glad it is done," Powell told the Leicester Mercury of his move to the Foxes.

"I tried to push it through with my agent because I wanted regular football, to be more involved in the Premier League, and we thought we would get a better opportunity here.

"I am here to get some experience and improve. I could have gone into the Championship and played week and week out, but the Premier League is the next step and Leicester have given me that opportunity.

"I have to earn my place in the team because it isn't given to you. That is the first step. It is a good squad: powerful, pacy, well-structured and organised. I am hoping to do well in the Premier League and help Leicester stay up."

Despite being heralded as United's next great central midfielder by Sir Alex Ferguson and his former Crewe Alexandra mentor, Dario Gradi, there is doubt over Powell's long-term position on the pitch, a factor that may have contributed to his departure from United.

But having operated as a forward as well as a number 10 for Wigan last season, the youngster envisions himself taking up a similarly advanced role at Leicester.

"I am best suited in the number 10 role, where I can get space, turn and take the attacking options but, as I discussed with the manager, I can play in a number of positions," he said.

"I am just going to have to try to find the one that suits me best at Leicester. The tempo is different in the Premier League and so is the class of players. That is why I want to be here, so I can improve myself."