New Carlisle United man on why he signed - and Wayne Rooney

And the Crystal Palace frontman says he is here to score the goals that will help Paul Simpson’s side make the step up in League One.

Plange has joined on a half-season loan ahead of the new 2023/24 campaign.

The 20-year-old striker bolsters the Cumbrians’ attack as they prepare for their opening game against Fleetwood Town on Saturday.

And Plange says the way United won the play-offs made it a tempting offer when Simpson came calling.

“Watching the success of last season made me very keen on coming here and trying to get into the team,” said Plange.

“I watched some of the games, against Bradford, and Stockport in the final, and they looked like a really good team.

“They worked well together as players and it was good to watch. It’s a club that feels close together and I’m looking forward to being part of it.”

Plange, third right, was on Derby's books before a move to Crystal Palace (Image: PA)

Plange started out at Arsenal before joining Derby County two years ago, a spell during which he worked under England and Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney.

A switch to Palace followed, since when he has had loans with Derby, Belgian side RWD Molenbeek and, last season, Lincoln City in League One.

Plange said he spoke to ex-United loanee John-Kymani Gordon about the Blues before agreeing to his loan.

“He only had good things to say,” said Plange of his team-mate, who was at Brunton Park in the second half of last season.

“He had a very good experience when he was here. He said he got to know the players and the manager really well, and that he fitted in really well.

“I was aware of [the interest] early doors, really. I’ve been speaking to them over the time and I’m glad that it’s finally settled. I’m really glad to be here.

“There were [other options], but it was more about coming to a team that I felt I could fit into. Speaking to Simmo helped me to make the decision.”

Plange says he is in a good state of match fitness after pre-season with his Premier League parent club.

Plange says he spoke to Palace team-mate JK Gordon about Carlisle (Image: PA)

And he is keen to add his attacking attributes to the United team.

“I think I can bring a lot to the team,” he said. “I like to have an impact on the game. I like making runs, shooting scoring goals, so that’s what I want to do.

“I like to be versatile as a player. I like to run in behind a lot, I make different types of runs, I take players on when I can and I like to link things up.

“I’d probably say that I’m the type of striker who is in and around the box and I can finish it off with my left or right foot. I have a bit of pace, so I want to cause problems for defenders that way as well.”

Plange says he has been told by Simpson to approach the challenge with “confidence” in his game.

He has experience of League One from his time with Lincoln and he said: “I think it was just a learning period for me really.

“It was me getting to know the league because it was my first time being in League One. It was a new experience, and it was about growth for me personally.”

Plange said he valued his upbringing at Arsenal as well as his time at Derby when, in a challenging period for the club, he got his first-team chance – and learned from a legend in Rooney.

Plange pictured scoring for Derby against Fulham in 2022 (Image: PA)

“I loved it at Derby. That was another very good experience. It was a tough time for them that season, with the points deduction and everything else that was going on, but all of the young players just came together and we worked our socks off throughout the season. I felt that we did well,” he said.

“All strikers dream of working with someone like Wayne Rooney. He was one of the best, so it was great to be able to do that. He helped me individually a lot, and it was all about trying to become a better striker.”

On the prospect of playing a big part in Carlisle’s return to League One, he said: “The momentum from last season is something we can take into the new season.

“I’m buzzing to be perfectly honest. I just want to get going and get out on the pitch.”