New-boy Baker out to impress United

The Burnley-born player, who was released by Bury at the end of last season, joins the U’s on an initial six-month contract, but with an opportunity to earn a longer deal if he can impress.

He’s a player Wilder knows well from when the United manager was the No 2 to boss Alan Knill at Gigg Lane.

And he’s a player with a very good football grounding, having been at Manchester United from the age of nine to 17.

Baker, who had made 129 appearances for the Shakers, scoring eight goals, said his first-team opportunities at Bury had become fewer and fewer.

“Before Alan Knill came in about two years ago, I was playing every week,” he said.

“Then it went from playing week in, week out to playing every two, and then towards the back end of last season it was getting to not even getting on the pitch.

“It was quite frustrating, but I’m sure a change can bring some of the old out of me and can get me back playing.”

Asked what type of player the fans can expect, he replied: “I’m a central midfielder who likes to get forward and help in with the strikers, and get a few goals hopefully.”

Wilder said: “Having worked with him I know what he can do and I feel he’ll definitely bring something to our football club.

“He’s another one who’s hungry to kick-start himself and I feel he’s got the ability to add something to us.”

United’s manager is still on the look-out to make one or two more captures before the season starts on August 7, but nothing may happen for a while.

“I think there might be one or two in the pipeline,” he said.

“But we’re going to have a little look around and see, and use pre-season as well and maybe get people in (on trial). Maybe the tour of Scotland will be useful for seeing people as well.

“The players that are available have got to be the right ones, and if they’re not the right ones we’ll stick with what we’ve got.

“We’re maybe just one or two short on numbers and, if we can add maybe another one or two, I’m pretty happy with what we’ve got.”