Southampton star reveals the free-kick lessons he received from ‘the best in the game’

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Ryan Manning was one of the heroes at the weekend for Southampton as they came from behind in the final minutes to win 2-1 in their opening Championship fixture.

It was a dramatic end to their game with Wrexham at home, with Jack Stephens scoring an injury-time winner, giving their fans something to celebrate.

It was a game that could have easily gone the other way had it not been for a Gavin Bazunu save moments before the equaliser, with the Irish keeper keen to take his opportunities this campaign.

Ryan Manning equalised as the clock moved into the 90th minute with a left-footed free-kick that bent into the top corner of the goal.

The Ireland international has revealed exactly how he learnt that skill and who briefly helped him along the way.

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Ryan Manning took lessons from James Ward-Prowse

The 29-year-old did not spend much time with James Ward-Prowse at Southampton, as the full back joined the club in the summer of 2023 from Swansea City, the same transfer window James Ward-Prowse departed for West Ham.

Manning stated that he still had six weeks to learn from the England international at training, taking key lessons from him to build upon his previous free-kick experience at QPR.

He said (via the Southern Daily Echo): “I think I saw Prowsey for about six weeks when I was here. He practices technique every day, and he’s the best, so it’s about practicing.

“I wouldn’t insult Prowsey with any comparison. He’s obviously the best in the game at it, and he practices every day. He’s doing that, and he’s the best.

“It’s just about repetition; the rest of us need to be doing more to catch up. I don’t think there’s any comparison, but it was nice to get one in.

“When I was younger in the under-23s [at QPR], I used to bang them in. But it’s deserted me a little bit in the last 10 years. I’ve been practicing.”

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Harry Redknapp was an early fan of Ryan Manning

Ryan Manning began his career in England with QPR, following Harry Redknapp’s pursuit of him from Galway United at the age of 18.

At the time Manning was viewed as an attacking midfielder, but he has since shown his adaptability to play at the highest level.

Redknapp always believed he had the quality he displayed in his performance against Wrexham, as he spoke glowingly to the QPR website about him in 2015 when he signed the Irishman.

He said: “Ryan is a young lad who has been chased by a number of top clubs in the Premier League. We have managed to secure him and bring him here, so we’re delighted with that.

“He is a busy player who can play off the left or in behind the striker. He is still young and has a lot to learn, but it’s a good gamble for us to take.

“I think he feels he has got a real chance of playing for us here, and hopefully he will progress with us. We’re certainly pleased to have him.”