In Re:UNITED, we look at the connections between United and their opponents this week. It is a good indicator of just how many players Manchester United produce in the youth academy as well as showing some of those who join the Reds from elsewhere. You might remember some. You may never have heard of them before. So let’s find out who has represented both.
This weekend United face Hull City in the Premier League; as they look to build on last weekends victory at Arsenal.
There is a strong link between Hull and Manchester United, including three first team Tigers who once wore the Red shirt. Other players for both clubs still playing are Cardiff Striker Frazier Campbell and Northern Irish Goalkeeper Roy Carroll who spent 5 years at Old Trafford. Also of note is Steve Bruce, who is manager of this weekend’s opponents.
Let’s take a closer look at some of those who have represented both clubs.
GK: Roy Carroll
Hull City (1995-1997): 50 appearances
Manchester United (2001-2005): 73 appearances
The Northern Irish goalkeeper began his career at Hull; making a respectable 50 appearances as a youngster. He made his way to United in 2001 after signing for £2.5 million in 2001 from Wigan. Carroll would never quite cement his place at United. He faced competition from Fabian Barthez and later Tim Howard for first choice goalkeeper. He did play in some important games however and won a Premier League title and the 2004 FA Cup.
Perhaps Carroll’s most memorable moment at United was his involvement in the ‘goal that never was’ against Tottenham in 2005. Spurs midfielder Pedro Mendes tried a spectacular effort from the halfway line that Carroll appeared to push out safely. Upon closer inspection it was revealed that the ball had crossed the line but was not given. He was released at the end of the season.
FWD: Frazier Campbell
Manchester United (2007-2009): 4 appearances, 0 goals
Hull City (2007-2008, loan): 37 appearances, 15 goals
Sent on loan to Hull in 2007/08, Campbell had a good season and scored 15 goals, all in the Championship as he led them to promotion to the Premier League. This caused much debate over his future, whether the move would be made permanent or whether he would go back to Manchester and battle for a spot in the first team. Hull chairman said that Campbell was “too good for the Championship.”
In the end it was apparent he wasn’t good enough for United though as he went on to make just 1 appearance for the Red Devils and was shipped off to Tottenham as a part of the deal that brought Dimitar Berbatov to Old Trafford. He was sold to Sunderland in 2009; and now plays for Crystal Palace.
CB: Paul McShane
Manchester United (2004-2006): 0 appearances, 0 goals
Hull City (2008, loan. 2009-present): 120 appearances, 4 goals
Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Irish international McShane didn’t make the grade at United. He played in a few pre-season games but never made his full debut. His career took him to Walsall, Brighton, West Brom and Sunderland before signing for Hull; gaining a reputation for being a solid and tough tackling defender along the way.
Initially signing on a loan deal, McShane made his move permanent in 2009 and has made 120 appearances for the Tigers scoring 4 goals to date. Sergio Ramos was once described as “Paul McShane on steroids” by Irish pundit Eamon Dunphy.
CB: James Chester
Manchester United (2007-2011): 1 appearance, 0 goals
Hull City (2011-present) 150 appearances, 7 goals
Chester made his only appearance during the League Cup coming on as a substitute for Gary Neville in the semi-final game against Derby in 2009. He was nominated for Reserve Team Player of the Year by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer alongside Tom Cleverley and Corry Evans.
Chester signed for Hull in 2011, making 150 appearances and scoring 7 goals. One of these goals was in the FA Cup Final against Arsenal. His success at Hull has earned him a place in the Wales team. Definitely one to look out for; perhaps joining Ryan Shawcross as a player United may regret letting go of.
LW: Robbie Brady
Manchester United (2011-2013) 1 appearance, 0 goals
Hull City (2013-present) 100 appearances, 8 goals
Brady came through the United youth set-up and made his only appearance as a Red in the League Cup. He came on as a substitute against Newcastle in a 2-1 Third Round win.
The 2011/12 season saw Brady make a loan move to Hull and was on loan there again the following season. He scored a wonderful free-kick off the crossbar against Watford that led to his move being permanent. His hernia trouble stopped him for much of last season but he is back to full fitness now and a key first team player. He also has 11 Republic of Ireland caps to his name; and has a bright future ahead of him.
Manager: Steve Bruce
Manchester United (1987-1996) 414 appearances, 51 goals
Hull (manager 2012-present) P: 116 W: 46 L: 46 D: 24
Steve Bruce. A Manchester United legend, making over 400 appearances in a nine-year career. He scored an amazing number of goals despite being a centre back, and became well-known for his ability to head the ball. He captained the team many times and won 12 trophies. He’s often mentioned as the best player never to play for England.
He became manager of Hull City in 2012 and led them to promotion in his first season as manager. The following season he led them to the FA Cup Final where they finished runners-up to Arsenal. The game against Manchester United will be his 700th game in management; and Bruce should expect a warm welcome at Old Trafford.