Michael Essien: How Ghana Midfielder Almost Joined Manchester United Before His Chelsea Stint
- Michael Essien’s journey could have taken a very different path at Manchester United before his career-defining spell in France
- The story behind the Ghana legend's rise is inspiring, from a failed trial and a mom's crucial decision to a meteoric rise in Europe
- Speaking to YEN.com.gh, Ghanaian football expert Micky Charles has hailed Essien for leaving a huge impact on local football
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Years before Michael Essien completed his major move from Ligue 1 powerhouse Lyon to Chelsea, he was reportedly on the verge of joining Manchester United.
Rather than sealing a move to United, the legendary Ghanaian midfielder saw his trial collapse, paving the way for his career-changing opportunity in France.
Source: Getty Images
When Ole Gunnar Solskjær stabbed home United’s famous winner in the 1999 UEFA Champions League final, a teenage Essien could hardly believe his eyes.
The then-16-year-old Ghanaian was a devoted fan of the Red Devils and was swept up in the joy of that unforgettable encounter against Bayern Munich.
Michael Essien's Manchester United trials
Back then, the idea of ever wearing the same colours as his heroes seemed a fantasy. Within a year, however, Essien’s path unexpectedly crossed with the very club he admired - but fate or circumstance had different plans for him.
His breakout displays at the Under-17 World Cup in New Zealand earned him a trial invitation from Sir Alex Ferguson. For a boy from Accra, stepping into the United setup felt surreal, as cited by the Guardian in a May 2008 feature.
“I supported United as a kid, and Roy Keane was my favourite. I saw him at my trial — but no, I didn’t dare tackle him," Essien remarked.
However, work-permit barriers complicated any possible deal, and although United suggested that the Ghanaian join their feeder club Royal Antwerp in Belgium, his mother, Aba, reportedly wanted to steer him elsewhere.
She believed France was a better option, so her son left Liberty Professionals for Bastia in 2000. The former Ghana international signed for the Corsica-based club in July 2000 and impressed on his debut in Ligue 1 against FC Metz.
After three seasons, Essien had made 76 appearances in all competitions and had scored 12 goals for Bastia, prompting Lyon's resident Jean Michel Aulas to sign him for a reported transfer fee of €7.8 million, according to the BBC.
Before heading to the Premier League, Essien repaid the faith by helping Lyon to the Ligue 1 title in 2003/04 and 2004/05, racking 13 goals in 96 games for the seven-time French champions, according to Transfermarkt statistics.
After being monitored by several top sides across Europe, it was Chelsea, then managed by Jose Mourinho, who were fortunate enough to hire the highly-rated box-to-box midfielder for a club record transfer fee of £24.4 million.
Source: Getty Images
Ghanaian football expert reflects on Essien’s rise
Speaking exclusively to YEN.com.gh, seasoned Ghanaian football analyst Micky Charles shared memories of Essien’s early journey in Europe, particularly his transformation at Lyon and his impact at Chelsea.
“From the moment Essien stepped onto the pitch in France, you could see he was destined for greatness. By the time he arrived at Chelsea, he had already become the complete midfielder every top club dreamed of.”
After he retired from international football in 2018, Essien transitioned successfully into coaching, joining Danish club FC Nordsjælland in 2020 as an assistant coach to mentor the future generations.
Is Michael Essien Ghana's best midfielder ever?
Earlier, YEN.com.gh listed the major factors that cement Michael Essien’s reputation as Ghana's finest midfielder of all time.
The ex-Chelsea star has ranked higher than other Black Stars greats like Sulley Ali Muntari, Stephen Appiah, and Ibrahim Sunday.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
