Warrington born Jesse Lingard claims to have rejected Liverpool, Everton, Manchester City and Crewe Alexandra in the very early stages of his career.
The Man United midfielder has gone on to make over 180 appearances for the Red Devils, but has now confirmed that it could have been another North West club for him.
Well, not exactly, because the England international said that he felt Old Trafford would be like a home to him, and knew he was longed for United.
Now a 26 year old teenager, Lingard has won the FA and League Cups to go along with the more recent Europa League trophy.
Speaking to his club’s official podcast, he said that when he was a kid the choice was down to him. “It was left down to me to pick a club and I felt United were best suited to me personally,” Lingard said (via the Daily Mail).
“(Manchester) City, Liverpool, Everton and I think Crewe at the time (were interested) but I knew Man United was my home.
“I have a picture in a United kit when I was one year old. When I was seven I had trials and signed when I was nine.“
To be fair to the lad, he is living his dream. At the age of seven if your favourite club comes knocking there is nowhere else you’re going.
That being said, I’m sure Liverpool and Man City fans will find the thought of having Lingard in their squads quite funny – I’m not sure he’d have lasted at either club.