At the time, it was seen as the latest example of how far Manchester United have fallen, no longer the dream destination for any young English footballer.

Liam Delap had the option of becoming United’s new No 9. He ticked all the boxes – affordable, young, English, hungry, no ego, primed and ready to drag this sleeping giant from its perennial slumber.

There was a knowing confidence around Old Trafford ahead of the expected deal – the underlying assumption that no English youngster could ever turn down the might of Manchester United. United also had another trump card – director of football Jason Wilcox brought Delap from Derby County to Manchester City’s illustrious academy.

And yet, there was guffawing all down the King’s Road as Delap chose Chelsea instead. The prospect of Champions

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