Tottenham Hotspur defender Ezekiel Fryers has insisted that he has improved as a footballer since he left Manchester United.

The 21-year-old departed Old Trafford in 2012 for Belgian side Standard Liege, before linking up with Spurs in January 2013.

"A lot of people say that when you do leave Man U you go down, but for me, personally, I feel like I've gone up, in terms of development," he told reporters. "I worked with Tim Sherwood last year in the Under-21s. With him, Les Ferdinand and Chris Ramsey, they helped me improve my game. They helped me get forward more, introducing something new to my game, becoming more of a modern full-back, so that's helped."

Fryers could feature against his old club later today, with Spurs due to take on United at Old Trafford. Although he is currently viewed as a deputy to Danny Rose, the England youth international has conceded that he would relish the chance to turn out against his former employers.

"Obviously that would cross your mind, that you want to start, especially against big teams like Manchester United," he added. "Obviously with Danny Rose being number one, anything can happen, but I'd love to start against my old club."

Fryers has made eight appearances in all competitions this season.