Not too long ago, Markus Neumayr regarded as one of the game’s brightest prospects before his Manchester United career came to an end much earlier than expected.

The German midfielder is now plying his trade in Switzerland with FC Luzern in the midst of an erratic career after choosing to leave Old Trafford at the end of the 2005/06 campaign.

And while reflecting on his time in England, Neumayr has revealed that he was actually approached by rival clubs whom he turned down before joining United.

“Manchester United scouts were keeping tabs on my at the time,” Neumayr said in an interview.

“I was 16 and had received offers from Barcelona, Chelsea and Arsenal but Manchester United were a special club.

“You have to remember this is a team Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Van Nistelrooy and Scholes were playing for.

“It was a dream team and it was a dream come true to be part of this team.”

Neumayr, who is now 31, was made captain of United’s youth team and was expected to make a name under Sir Alex Ferguson for the first team.

William Prescott 
Not too long ago, Markus Neumayr regarded as one of the game's brightest prospects before his Manchester United career came to an end much earlier than expected. The German midfielder is now plying his trade in Switzerland with FC Luzern in the midst of an erratic career after choosing to...