Sir Alex Ferguson’s forgotten Man United starlet signs for Stockport County

A former Manchester United starlet has signed for Stockport after leaving Stoke as a free agent. 

The Potters released their player in May, calling time on a four-year spell at the club, which he joined in the summer of 2019. 

The 29-year-old will start next season for the League Two side just over eleven years after he joined the Red Devils as one of the last signings made by talismanic manager Sir Alex Ferguson. 

The attacking midfielder joined Man United in the summer of 2012 from Crewe Alexandra in a £6million transfer. 

But who is the player that has seen his fortunes change so much in just over a decade?  

The attacking midfielder (left) shot to fame in 2012 as one of the legendary boss’ last signings

Nick Powell has signed for Stockport County as a free agent after being released by Stoke

Nick Powell is the signing in question, but despite being heralded as a fresh young talent, he failed to break into the playing squad, and made just nine appearances for United during his debut season.  

Powell saw out the remainder of his United career with a series of loan spells at clubs including Wigan, Leicester, and Hull City. 

Before the midfielder inked the deal with the Hatters, he was heavily linked with the team’s newly-minted League Two rivals, Wrexham. 

The freshly-promoted club were said to be interested in securing the services of Powell as they plot building up their squad depth ahead of their historic move up a divison. 

But they were pipped to the post by the Manchester club, who have signed the player on a three-year deal. 

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‘I’m really happy to be here and to be a part of what’s happening at County right now,’ Powell said upon signing. ‘I think everyone can see what an exciting journey the club is on.

‘The ambitions that the owner has for the club, and that was something that really appealed to me when deciding on my next move.  

‘The boys came so close to promotion last season.

‘We all know the aim is to take that next step this time round and be a League One club, which is where a club the size of County belong.

After struggling at United, Powell booked a loan spell to Wigan that later became permanent

‘Hopefully I can play my part in making that a reality.’

His new manager, Dave Challinor, said that Powell’s ‘reputation precedes him in terms of quality and ability’.  

‘For him to select us as the next chapter in his career is a big compliment for the club,’ Challinor added. 

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