He hates Man United but played two games for them before becoming a legend for rivals

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Manchester United have been guilty of allowing too many talented players to slip through their fingers.

Over the years, Man United have taken a host of promising youngsters on trial, affording them the opportunity to spend some time at the club and to have their qualities assessed.

Some have made it and joined permanently, while others have not. Christian Eriksen and Gabriel Martinelli were two glaring examples of the latter, although they went on to enjoy success elsewhere.

On another occasion, one future superstar even pulled on the hallowed United jersey for a match, but did not stay beyond his trial. The Red Devils could still regret missing out on him even now.

Steven Gerrard once had a Man United trial

Incredibly, Steven Gerrard once spent a brief trial period at Old Trafford during the early days of his youth career and played in two games.

He had even met Sir Alex Ferguson for dinner before being offered a three-year professional contract, but later admitted he never had any intention of joining Liverpool’s arch rivals.

Recalling the bizarre experience, Gerrard told Jamie Carragher: “It was strange really because I had a lot of letters coming at the time to go and try different places: Everton, United, Palace, West Ham to name a few.

“I think my dad was maybe trying to push Liverpool in a roundabout way, now looking back. Like ‘what’s going on are you going to offer them something or what?’ type of thing.

“I think Liverpool knew I was always going to stay there but yeah, I went and just tried them [United] because I thought I’m not signed up with anyone.

“I’m just on a rolling year contract at the time. I wanted to know what West Ham was like, what Everton was like and United was like, just to compare to where I was.

“I always knew I was going to stay at Liverpool long term.”

Gerrard went on to carve himself into Anfield folklore over a glittering senior career between 1998-2015, winning a number of trophies including the Champions League and FA Cup.

Steven Gerrard’s record against Man United

United’s failure to sign Gerrard when they had the chance haunted them for almost 20 years.

The all-time great made 30 appearances against the Red Devils in the Premier League and scored eight goals, as well as chalking up two assists.

Across all competitions, Gerrard beat United 13 times but suffered defeat on 20 occasions, with 18 of those losses coming in the top-flight.

He was infamously dismissed against Liverpool’s arch rivals just 38 seconds after coming on as a substitute in a 2-1 defeat back in March 2015.