Manchester United star Jesse Lingard has revealed how he was close to joining arch-rivals Liverpool during the early stages of his career.
The 22-year-old is blossoming into a dangerous winger for United, but in a recent interview, he’s revealed it could have all been different had he chosen Liverpool at the age of seven.
Lingard was a Manchester United fan growing up, and it was his dream to play for United, but when Liverpool came calling, it left him with a hard decision to make.
However, the midfielder eventually chose the Red Devils and snubbed interest from Liverpool.
‘I was at a local club called Penketh United and Mike Glennie, a Manchester United scout, came to watch me,’ Lingard told MUTV.
‘He spoke to my grandad and offered me trials, but there was also interest from Liverpool and I had to pick.
‘I was only young, but obviously my heart was with United at the time.
‘Going through the years, I was with Larnell Cole, Mike and Will Keane, Sam [Johnstone], Ravel [Morrison] and Tunners [Ryan Tunnicliffe].
‘There are a lot of lads still doing their thing at other clubs and they’re happy seeing me where I am.’
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt