5 boyhood Manchester United fans who signed for rivals
Manchester United is without a shadow of a doubt one of the most popular teams of all time in football history. The Red Devils boast of the biggest fan base in England and arguably the world. Old Trafford has seen its fair share of sporting icons who continue to attract football fans from around the world.
Several current players in rival teams had also been charmed by the club’s tradition and history and were Manchester United supporters in their younger years. However, these professional footballers never got the chance to don the famed Manchester United jersey and instead signed for rival teams.
Sportskeeda brings to you 5 boyhood Manchester United fans who went on to play for their rivals
#5 Joe Allen
“I’m a boyhood United fan and I can’t wait to go there and pit my wits against players like (Ryan) Giggs and Paul Scholes. Giggs was always someone I looked out for because he was a Welshman and a fantastic player. But, from my own football point of view, I looked up to Roy Keane and Scholes, who was my hero as a kid. When Scholes retired at the end of last season I was disappointed because I thought I would never get the chance to be on the same pitch and line up alongside him” – Joe Allen
Probably the only player on this list Manchester United wouldn’t have regretted not buying, Joe Allen was a highly sought after player who fizzled out after his stint with Liverpool. The Welshman first came into the limelight because of his pinpoint passing which drew comparisons with former Barcelona legend, Xavi.
(Video Courtesy: Newton Heath YouTube Channel)
The player followed his then Swansea City manager Brendan Rodgers and joined Liverpool in a move that was expected to turn the fortunes of the player and the club. However, it never worked out and Allen quickly became the target of jokes and ridicule due to his average performances.
The Welshman then made a move to Stoke City where he has been performing much better in a more advanced role. Allen also performed brilliantly for Wales in the 2016 Euro’s and was one of their key players during their run.