A dose of nostalgia has swept through social media in the last week in the shape of the Premier League ‘Barclaysmen’ trend.
The phrase refers to those who thrived when the English top-flight was sponsored by Barclays between 2001 and 2016, though it is specifically not for players who went down in history or lifted countless trophies. Instead, it is best known for niche players who encapsulated that era for various reasons, such as Swansea’s Michu and Stoke City’s Rory Delap.
Several Barclaysmen shone to such an extent that they came close to joining Manchester United. Express Sport takes a look at five players who were linked with the Red Devils…
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Morten Gamst Pedersen (Blackburn Rovers)
Known for his wonder of a left foot and sensational goals, Pedersen became a cult hero at Blackburn. However, he was eyed on several occasions at Old Trafford. Sir Alex Ferguson spoke of how his side had watched the Norwegian extensively but felt that his side did not need attacking reinforcements.
Speaking about those rumours to SportBible in 2020, Pedersen said: “There were loads of rumours and everything. I know they were following me during my time at Tromso and in my best times at Blackburn as well. I know there was some interest. They were watching me from the stands. How close? I don't know. It could have happened if [Ryan] Giggs hadn't played for 200 more years... who knows!"
Adel Taarabt (QPR)
Taarabt lit up the Premier League during his time with QPR with his sensational skills and mazy runs, and United were said to have considered a move for the forward in 2012 when he was available for £12million. The Independent reported that the Red Devils considered a January swoop for the Moroccan but a move never transpired. Now 35, he's still playing, in Dubai's UAE Pro League.
Leighton Baines (Everton)
Following David Moyes’ appointment at Old Trafford, the ex-Everton boss pushed to reunite with several stars. Left-back Baines was quickly made a top target after an impressive spell with the Toffees but offers in the region of £36m were rejected by the club. The defender spoke openly that United had been keen and continued to make his mark at Goodison Park with solid defensive displays and his ability from set-pieces.
Demba Ba (Newcastle)
After a glorious two seasons with Newcastle, several top clubs were linked with activating Ba’s £7m release clause, including United. He ultimately joined Chelsea and failed to replicate the brilliance that he showed on Tyneside, which included wondergoals and a tremendous partnership with Papiss Cisse.
Sulley Muntari (Portsmouth)
Although he spent just one season at Fratton Park, Muntari made an impressive impact at Portsmouth at a time when Harry Redknapp’s squad was stacked with nostalgic talents, such as Nwankwo Kanu, Pedro Mendes and Niko Kranjcar.
After scoring a screamer against United in the FA Cup and hitting the ground running at Inter Milan in the years after, the Red Devils were linked with the versatile midfielder as part of a rebuild in 2010, though the signings of Javier Hernandez (Chicharito), Bebe and Chris Smalling were prioritised instead. The ex-Pompey star had an extended trial at United as a youngster too.
