Over the years, Manchester United has seen some of its legendary players leave Old Trafford, only to join rival Premier League clubs.
The likes of Romelu Lukaku made a move to United from Everton before eventually joining Chelsea.
Phil Neville made the switch to Merseyside as well as he joined Everton.
Carlos Tevez and Peter Schmeical both joined Manchester rivals, Manchester City, after their stints with the Red Devils.
It’s always intriguing to consider how these players would have shaped the fortunes of their new teams, had they made their moves earlier.
Yet, few could have imagined a situation where one of United’s greatest-ever forwards could have ended up elsewhere, particularly at a club like Newcastle United.
Wayne Rooney, a player who forever changed Manchester United’s attack, was once very close to playing for a Premier League rival.
But before his legendary career at Old Trafford, the young striker had other options.
Having already established himself as one of the Premier League’s brightest stars during his time at Everton, Wayne Rooney was highly sought after by several top clubs.
His explosive start at Goodison Park and his dazzling performances at Euro 2004 made him a target for Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United.
Despite all the interest in his services, there was a real chance that Rooney’s career could have taken a very different direction.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
Duncan Ferguson, a key figure at Everton, revealed in a recent interview that the young Rooney was moments away from signing for Newcastle United.
Ferguson, who spent years playing alongside Rooney at Everton, recalled his role in advising the talented teenager against making the move to St. James’ Park.
“He was going to go to Newcastle, and I advised him against that move, before he went to Manchester United,” Ferguson explained.
The veteran forward added that he told Rooney in no uncertain terms, “I told him that Newcastle was a great club, but ‘if United and Sir Alex Ferguson want you, you better go.’”
This advice would prove pivotal, as Rooney ultimately chose to join Manchester United in a deal worth £25.6 million.
From there, his career would soar to new heights.
Under Ferguson, Wayne Rooney became one of the greatest players in United’s history, setting records and winning five Premier League titles.
However, his early potential was nearly realized at a club that could have altered his career in a very different way.
Reflecting on this, Ferguson admitted that Rooney’s incredible talent was clear from the start.
“Wayne was only young at the time, but you could see where he was going to get to – he was a top player.”
Ferguson’s influence played a major part in shaping the career of one of England’s greatest-ever strikers.
Had he not stepped in, Rooney’s legacy might have looked very different.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
Source: Centred Devils
