Former England midfielder Paul Scholes has opened up on his experience, training with ex-Super Eagles skipper John Obi Mikel at Manchester United, Footynaija.com reports.
Mikel became a highly sought-after young talent after impressing at the 2003 U-17 FIFA World Cup in Chile, with several top clubs including Manchester United and Chelsea vying for his signature.
The talented midfielder initially joined Norwegian side Lyn from where he went on to sign an agreement with the Red Devils in 2005, committing his future to the Old Trafford giants on a four-year deal.
Before signing the deal, Mikel had spent a successful trial period at United. Looking back on that brief spell, Scholes, already one of Man United’s best players at the time, admitted that the Nigerian’s abilities were clear for all to see.
“I remember a bit of hype around him. He was very young at the time; he may have been 16 or 17,” Scholes said in an interview with Sky Sports.
“I remember Jim Ryan, who was the assistant manager at the time, bringing him on and helping him into training with us.
“There weren’t many players of that age training with the first team, but there was a presence about him. I probably got a little bit competitive when I knew someone was trying to take my place. We knew there was quality there.
“His size, his quality on the ball all sum him up to be a classic number six, really. He could break up play as well, but that wasn’t all he had. He could pass the ball and had the odd goal here and there.”
Mikel never played for Manchester United though, as he ultimately opted for a move to Chelsea in what is still widely regarded to be one of the most bizarre transfer sagas in the history of English football.
He went on to spend 11 successful years at Stamford Bridge, winning ten major trophies including 2 Premier League crowns, 4 FA Cups, 2 League Cups, the UEFA Champions League and the Europa League.
