Gary Neville has revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson believed Ravel Morrison was the biggest talent to come out of the Manchester United academy since Ryan Giggs.
Morrison, 27, is now on loan at Middlesbrough from Sheffield United and is still struggling to find his way in the game after being so highly-regarded in his youth career.
He has had 11 different clubs since featuring in United’s academy alongside the likes of Jesse Lingard and Paul Pogba, despite being tipped out of the three to have the best career because of his unbelievable talents.
Wayne Rooney recently used Morrison as an example of how hard work is equally as important as hard work as talent in order to have a successful career.
Morrison agreed when responding to Rooney’s comments, but he still harbours a belief he can reach the top in the game.
But Neville believes Morrison’s downfall was more to do with the troubles he faced in his personal life rather than attitude or work-rate.
“I remember categorically Sir Alex Ferguson saying this (Morrison) was the biggest talent he had seen at the club since Ryan Giggs and that is an enormous statement,” he told the Sky Sports Football Show, as quoted by Manchester Evening News.
“I used to commentate on MUTV and the academy games for a number of years whilst I was playing at United. That year they won the Youth Cup, I commentated on many of those games where Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Ravel Morrison were all playing. Will Keane, Michael Keane, it was a really good era for Manchester United for producing young players.
“Ravel was special, really special. I’ve still kept in touch with Ravel throughout all these years, not often, but I’ve always had a soft spot for him. I don’t think it was down to his attitude, to be honest with you.
“I think Ravel had some serious complexities and challenges in his life that I think any of us would have found difficult to deal with. Ultimately, from that point of view, it’s meant he hasn’t achieved what he could have achieved.”
“What I would hope is he can have a stable life and a stable football career,” he added.
“Off the back of it, he needs something he can focus his attention on. For me, the most important thing for Ravel Morrison is he has some stability in his life to go and enjoy the next 30, 40 years, 50 years he is going to live.
“He’s got big challenges and I hope he can play football for a few more years. He is a big talent.”
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