Darren Ambrose joined United in March 2003 from Ipswich Town for a cut price £1m, and made his debut on the last day of the season against West Brom. Ambrose is a strong, attacking midfielder who likes to score goals, and this has heklpedhim progress through the England ranks, and is now a firm part of David Platt's U21 squad.

Ambrose, 19, has only been playing first-team football for just over a year after making his debut for Ipswich against Arsenal in April 2002, made a good impression for the Tractor Boys in a pre season friendly against Celta Vigo, with two goals. This prompted then Town boss George Burley to give him a run in the side, and he scored in his first game of the 2002-03 season against Walsall. He went on to score eight goals for Ipswich before Sir Bobby Robson, who had been chasing Darren for months and had reportibly tabled a £5m bid for Darren, snapped him up for £1m, with Ipswich in severe debt.

Ambrose is tipped for great things in the future from top pundits in the game, rather like Jermaine Jenas before him, and Ambrose will be hoping that he can get his chance in the team and show what he can do the highest level.