Like many, many people, Sir Alex Ferguson expected Ravel Morrison to reach to the top. He had everything: pace, power, strength. You name it. He had it.
In a youth side that featured Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard, Morrison was the played tipped for stardom. He was expected to become a legend at Manchester United, and it was only a matter of time until Ferguson integrated him into the first-team. The attacker had been performing well in the Reds' youth ranks - playing in the FA Youth Cup win in 2011.
He scored the opening goal in the semi-final win over Chelsea at Old Trafford, and added two more goals in the second leg of the Youth Cup final against Sheffield United - which the Reds went on to win 4–1, securing the title 6–3 on aggregate.
What happened next in his career, and the years that followed, is well-documented, but it is important to give Morrison credit for just how good he was as a youngster rising through the ranks. For context, he had played less than 15 matches for the U18s and U21s before supporters were tipping him for greatness. He had something, and everyone knew it.
The way Morrison's career went after he initially broke onto the scene was disappointing - not because he didn't enjoy success and thrive for other teams, but because he promised to be the next United great. While it would be unfair to put all the blame on the Englishman, he knew that he failed to deliver, and he has spoken about that in previous years.
During his time at Old Trafford, Morrison made just three substitute appearances for the club's senior side - all in League Cup games.
His manager at the time, Ferguson, did not want to let him leave the club in 2012, but it clearly hadn't worked. Despite everyone's best efforts, the flamboyant attacking midfielder had simply not done enough to warrant his place at the club. The Reds, reluctantly, sold him to West Ham for less than £1million.
Writing in his book, Leading, former United manager Ferguson discussed his regret that Morrison's career had not lived up to expectations - noting that the player was a talent, but had evident off-field issues.
"Sadly, there are examples of players who have similar backgrounds to [Ryan] Giggs or Cristiano Ronaldo, who, despite enormous talent, just aren't emotionally or mentally strong enough to overcome the hurts of their childhood and their inner demons." Ferguson wrote.
"Ravel Morrison might be the saddest case. He possessed as much natural talent as any youngster we ever signed, but kept getting into trouble.
"It was very painful to sell him to West Ham in 2012 because he could have been a fantastic player. But, over a period of years, the problems off the pitch continued to escalate and we had little option but to cut the cord."
Although the Scotsman was the manager who let Morrison leave, he never stopped caring for the player. He knew that, while it had not worked out at Old Trafford, the player - away from all of the baggage - had a good heart and wanted to succeed.
In 2021, ex-United defender Rio Ferdinand welcomed Morrison onto his podcast. During the fascinating episode, the Reds great shared a story about Ferguson. Prior to the Vibe with FIVE show, Ferdinand had sent his old manager a message to ask his opinion on his guest - and his response was telling.
"I [only] asked for five words from him," Ferdinand said. "He text me back this: 'Rio, my first and lasting memory of Ravel as a young lad was that he was always got time and space. He's always available to be on the ball, so unusual for a young lad of his age.'"
Ferdinand, who never got to play alongside Morrison, went on to share another Ferguson anecdote. He explained how the Scot's message included a story about the midfielder handing his manager a letter of thanks after being given his first team debut for the club, a gesture that he greatly appreciated.
"'Give my regards to him please. Another thing about Ravel, which I've always treasured because no other young player who made their debut did it, was after the first game in the first team that he played, the next morning he came to my office and gave me a letter thanking me for giving me his debut."
'"I was gobsmacked, Rio. The boy had a good heart, he was just beaten by his background.'"
As Ferdinand was telling Morrison what Ferguson had to say about him, it was clear that he was moved by the comments. It's unclear if the pair have spoken, or if so, how often, since his departure from United in 2012, but Morrison clearly cared deeply about Ferguson's opinion. He certainly won't be the only one, mind.
Morrison admitted that, if he could, he would go back and change 90% of his life. He made mistakes, that is for sure, but his self-reflection shows how far he has grown as a person. Does that matter more than playing for United? He would probably say not, but it is a testament to himself.
"When I made my debut – words can’t describe that you know," said Morrison. "Making your debut for Man United it was only a minute as well. It touches you because if I could go back in time I would change 90 per cent of my life."
After leaving the Reds, Morrison made a bright start to life with the Hammers, but his time in London fizzled out, and a move to Italian side Lazio - after three separate loan spells in England - came next.
Morrison began to join new sides relatively frequently, before an opportunity to return to the Premier League came his way. The Englishman signed for Sheffield United, but went on to make just one appearance in the top-flight - which came off the bench against Leicester City. It was a 12 minute cameo in a 2-1 defeat.
More moves followed, with the player joining Derby County in the summer of 2021 after playing in several trial games in pre-season under the management of United great Wayne Rooney. Morrison impressed for Derby, and appeared to have rediscovered his love for the game. One thing was for sure: he hadn't lost his natural ability.
He is currently plying his trade at D.C. United in the MLS - once again under Rooney. While it has been an underwhelming campaign for the American side, Morrison showed flashes of brilliance, and will be keen to do even better next term.
This week marked 12 years since Morrison made his first-team debut for United. It came in a 3–2 League Cup win over Wolves on October 26, 2010. He came on to replace Park Ji-Sung.
In many ways, it is fitting, if you could've combined Morrison's raw ability with Park's energy and desire, you probably wouldn't have been too far off the perfect player.