An interview with Daniel Nardiello, by Callum McFadden for WFi.
Reflecting on your journey through Manchester United’s academy, having joined as a trainee from Wolves in ’99 and progressing through the youth system before breaking into the first team, how do you view those formative years?
“It was an incredible experience. When you’re a young player at a club as big as Manchester United, it’s really the time of your life. The camaraderie in the changing room, the banter—everything about coming up through the ranks is amazing. At the time, I don’t think I fully appreciated just how fortunate I was to be in that situation.
“Looking back now, I realise how lucky I was, but at the time, I just took it all in stride and enjoyed every moment. It was an incredible position to be in, and I can only fully appreciate it in hindsight.”
When you look at your first-team experiences at Manchester United, you got to play in domestic games against Arsenal, Leicester and West Brom while also featuring in the Champions League against Maccabi Haifa. What were those experiences like at such a young age?
“At that age—or at least in my case—you just take things in your stride. I almost expected to be there. I know that might sound a bit arrogant, but in the world of sport, you have to be confident. I wanted to play in those games, and when I signed for Manchester United at such a young age, I fully expected to get at least a handful of games. Looking back, that was probably the mindset of a young, somewhat cocky kid, but at the time, it felt natural.
“It’s only now, in hindsight, that I recognise not only what a great experience it was but also what a significant achievement it was for me personally. I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to play alongside some absolute superstars.”
In terms of those superstar names and Sir Alex Ferguson, what were they like with you?
“Yeah, Sir Alex was fantastic. There was no holding back with him. I remember a few times when he really went mad at me, but I also remember moments when he gave me a lot of praise.
“One game that stands out in my memory is the Maccabi Haifa match in the Champions League. I came on for about 20 minutes, maybe half an hour, and after the game, Fergie really laid into the two strikers who had started, saying, ‘Nardiello did more in 20 minutes than you did in the entire game.’ He came over to me afterwards, telling me how impressed he was that I got on the ball, had a few shots, and made an impact.
“He was always honest—you had to take the good with the bad. He’d give you a telling-off when needed, but he’d also encourage you when you deserved it.
“In terms of players, one memory that really stands out is Teddy Sheringham. After a reserve game the night before—we had beaten West Brom 1-0 and I’d scored—he complimented me on my goal but also gave me some constructive advice on areas I could improve. It was really helpful and done in a way that stuck with me.”
You had loan spells with Swansea and Barnsley while you were still at United. When you look back now, how important was it to play regular first-team football at a young age to fully develop?
“Looking back, I realise I should have gone out on loan sooner. My experiences at Swansea and Barnsley were invaluable. Swansea, in particular, was a real shock to the system. Coming from the perfect environment at Manchester United—training every day at world-class facilities with top-level players, state-of-the-art gym equipment, and everything of the highest quality—it was quite an adjustment.
“At Swansea, which was in League Two at the time, the difference was stark. The training fields weren’t great, and while the stadium was good, it was nothing like what I had grown accustomed to. That loan spell was a wake-up call. It made me realise what real football was like—not the under-21 or reserve-level football I had been playing, but the demands of professional football at a senior level.
“Although my time at Swansea wasn’t my most successful spell, it was exactly what I needed. It gave me a reality check, and when I returned to Manchester United, I was much better prepared. I then had a really positive loan at Barnsley, which helped my development tremendously.
“In hindsight, I wish I had gone out on loan earlier. It’s crucial for young players to get that experience of playing real, competitive football as soon as possible. It can make all the difference.”
You mentioned doing well on loan at Barnsley. You joined the club permanently when you left Manchester United and won promotion to the Championship via the playoffs. What was it like to play and score important goals in a promotion-winning side?
“Yeah, those are memories that will last a lifetime. I think I managed four promotions in my career, and you really remember those seasons because it’s just a great atmosphere—the dressing room, the fans, everyone buzzing.
“We played at the Millennium Stadium to go up and beat Swansea in the playoff final. Those are the best seasons, and you’ll never forget them. It’s something I’m very proud of.”
You swapped Yorkshire for London by signing for QPR. During that time, you got called into the Wales squad and won three international caps. How proud were you to play for Wales, given the fact that your father also represented the country during his playing career?
“It was fantastic to follow in my dad’s footsteps. It was a real honour to put on the Welsh shirt, and I’ve actually got it framed in my house, just behind me.
“To follow my dad and represent Wales at an international level is something I’m very proud of. I’d have liked to have more caps over the years, but it wasn’t to be. Still, to put on that shirt and follow my dad’s footsteps is something I’ll always be proud of, and my dad is very proud as well.”
In terms of your time with Wales, which players stood out as being high-quality or helpful during that experience?
“Well, in terms of being helpful, Ryan Giggs stands out. When I turned up, he came up to me straight away, put his arm around me, talked to me, asked about life in the Championship and at QPR and Barnsley.
“He was great—he retired not long after, but he was really welcoming on my first trip, which I appreciated. I also remember Gareth Bale at a young age. Not necessarily helpful to me, but the ability he had at 16 or 17 was just frightening.”
You played for Exeter and Rotherham from 2010 to 2014, scoring over 40 league goals. Looking back now, do you think those were the peak years of your career when it comes to goal scoring?
“Yeah, I scored the most goals during those years, but I have to thank Exeter. They really helped me by putting me in touch with a specialist for my back and hip injuries that I struggled with at Barnsley, QPR, and Blackpool.
“Exeter helped me stay fit, and as a result, I played more games and scored more goals.”
During your career, you worked with several top coaches—who had the biggest personal impact on your career?
“That’s a tough one. I really enjoyed working with Ian Holloway at Blackpool, even though it was a limited time. He was phenomenal.
“Paul Tisdale at Exeter, his philosophy and how he treated players was fantastic. Then there’s Steve Evans at Rotherham—completely opposite, he’d give you a rollicking no matter what, but he got results.
“All of them had an impact in different ways. Sir Alex Ferguson too, of course, but I didn’t play that many games under him.”
Finally, Daniel, as a striker, who was the toughest defender that you ever faced?
“That’s easy—Joseph Yobo from Everton. He was strong, fast, good in the air, and just kicked me all over the pitch. Toughest game I ever had.”
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