He was Alex Ferguson’s ‘terrific’ Man United project, now Stockport County are releasing him

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Sir Alex Ferguson brought through an incredible number of youth talents through Manchester United throughout his career, from those in the academy to spotting the next stars at other clubs and acquiring them to nurture their skill.

This saw the class of 92 emerge early on in Alex Ferguson’s tenure as manager, while he also brought through the likes of Darren Fletcher and Jonny Evans.

While examples of youthful talent he would spot elsewhere and bring to the club included two of the greatest Manchester United players to grace the shirt, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.

However, there are those players that just could not cut it at Manchester United despite demonstrating all the qualities to be a top-class talent.

Alex Ferguson did see the likes of Bebe, Gabriel Obertan and Darron Gibson struggle to reach the heights fans and the club may have hoped for them.

These players have managed to forge careers elsewhere after they departed Manchester United; however, now Stockport County are ready to get rid of one of those who could not cut it at the Red Devils.

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Stockport in ‘advanced talks’ to end the contract of Nick Powell

It has been reported by Pete O’Rourke on X that Stockport are in ‘advanced talks’ to cancel the contract of former Manchester United starlet Nick Powell.

The 31-year-old joined the Hatters in the summer of 2023 after being released by Stoke City and helped them achieve promotion from League Two in his first season.

It is believed that Stockport County are going to end his stay at the club to allow him to find another club, with his next destination being unknown at present.

While Powell was a key feature of the club in his first season, playing 36 matches across all competitions, he would only make nine appearances in total in the last campaign.

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Nick Powell was spotted at Wigan Athletic

Only two weeks ago Nick Powell was the subject of conversation between Wigan Athletic manager Ryan Lowe and Wigan Today, as the midfielder was spotted in the crowd at their match against Northampton Town.

This may suggest that Powell will be moving to the Latics, who are also located in Greater Manchester like Stockport County, as Ryan Lowe was very complimentary about Powell.

He said: “I know Nick; he’s a great kid, and he’s been a great player.

“But he’s not my player to be speaking about.

“I think Nick Powell must be on a lotta lotta money, so I’m not really killing anything!

“Look, I honestly didn’t even know he was here today, to be honest with you, and I know him well enough.

“But if he wants to come here and watch his beloved Wigan Athletic, then fair play to him.”

The termination of Powell’s contract at Stockport may help Lowe and Wigan overcome that financial stumbling block.

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Alex Ferguson expected Powell to have a bright future

Manchester United had to battle a number of Premier League clubs to sign Powell in 2012, with Arsenal also keen to bring him to their club at the time.

However, the allure of Alex Ferguson and Manchester United were too much for Nick Powell to say no to, with the Scottish manager pleased they won out, as he would talk about how good he was with the Standard.

He said: “Nick Powell is going to be a really good player.

“He has a great temperament. He has two feet and is quick. He is a great striker of the ball.

“For an 18-year-old boy it has been a terrific day.”