Alexander Buttner admits his Manchester United career was almost over before it started last season.

He grew up on a travellers' camp in Holland and missed his family setting so badly he considered going home.

Buttner said: "I now know about homesickness.

"I'd think about my family and friends at home many times. How they were, what they were doing, little things like that. But I did not give up and I have my girlfriend Laura and brother Denny to thank for that.

"They were always there for me in England. I could call on them any time. I needed their warmth.

"I'm a fighter. But had I been on my own, I'd have got on a plane back to Holland a long time ago."