DYLAN EYES A RAM RAID ON MENTOR
United ace Levitt keen to show Gers’ Aaron that he’s star pupil
Dylan Levitt is determined to show Aaron Ramsey up close what he has learned from him today.
The Wales superstar is just one of the many role models Dundee United loan star Levitt has had.
He has shared a dressing room with the likes of Ramsey, Gareth Bale, Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard.
But the Welsh midfielder is keen to be his own man, whether that’s at Tannadice, Old Trafford or somewhere else.
That’s why the Manchester United kid wants to put on a show against Rangers – and Wales pal Ramsey – this afternoon.
Levitt has impressed since arriving in the summer Old Trafford.
A goal-of-the-season contender against Motherwell recently was worthy of any stage.
The 21- yea r - old already has 10 caps for Wales and appeared at Euro 2020 last summer when the inf luence of Ramsey and Bale really rubbed off on him.
He’s due to return to Manchester United at the end of the season when decisions will be made on his future.
But Levitt has enough belief in his own ability to make the grade wherever he ends up.
Ahead of today’s Premiership visit of Gers, the Tannadice playmaker said: “When I first joined the Wales squad, Aaron was very important.
“He and Gareth were role models for me growing up, especial ly watching Euro 2016.
“So to be sharing a pitch with them now is brilliant. Every time I go away with Wales, Aaron tries to help the young players.
“He’s always been an influence on me. Because he’s a midfielder I’ve probablylookeduptohimevenmore.
“He has come to Scotland now and is one of Wales’ go-to players. Just having him around the place is a bonus.
“At United the guys who’ve helped me are Marcus and Jesse. They came through the academy too and know how everything works there.
“I’m trying to follow in their footsteps so they’re always giving me advice on and off the pitch.
“When I train with them or go on trips, they’re always making sure I’m OK and I watch myself. They want to get the best out of me.
“I’d also put Scott McTominay in that bracket. He plays the same position as me so he’s always looking to do extra with me – trying to improve both himself and me.
“But I need to have the drive to go and do what’s best for me. Hopefully this loan spell at Dundee United continues to go well until the end of the season.
“I want to go back to Manchester United in the summer and show the manager there what I’ve learned.
“Playing every week here has been really beneficial. Just being around a first-team environment has i m p r o v e d me massively.
“I’ve still got a lot to learn but I’ve gained a lot here.
“It ’ s obviously different at Manchester United but I wanted to come somewhere and push myself.”
Levitt – who has featured in the Europa League for the Red Devils – faces one of his toughest tests yet today.
He’ll go toe-to-toe with Ramsey and champions Rangers – and he admits he’s been impressed by the standard of Scotland’s top flight.
United’s 1- 0 win over Gers back in August should give Tam Courts’ side hope today and Levitt revealed it was one of the reasons why he joined them.
He said: “There are a lot of teams up here who want to play football and that suits me best.
“Scottish football gets overlooked at times but the standard here is really good. It’s helping me develop as a player and get to where I want to go in my career.
“This will be my first game against Rangers. It’s a team I’ve always wanted to play against so the experience will be good for me.
“We’re going into it with a game plan we think we can work.
“I watched the game earlier in the season when Jamie Robson scored.
“It was a few weeks before my move but there had been talks so I tuned in.
“It gave me an idea of the type of team Dundee United are.
“It had a little part to play in my decision but I was also attracted to the size of the club and everything that comes with it.”