“A classic number six” – Paul Scholes speaks on Mikel Obi’s brief spell at Manchester United

Former England and Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has weighed in on Mikel Obi’s brief spell with the Red Devils, Afrik Foot reports.

Mikel began making waves after impressing during the 2003 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Finland. His display in the tournament caught the interest of several clubs around the world, with Manchester United and Chelsea at the forefront.

Given he was 16 years old at the time, he couldn’t join either side. While he went on trial to Manchester United, he met with Sir Alex Ferguson, alongside the now-club legends like Nicky Butt, Roy Keane and Paul Scholes.

However, Chelsea quickly swooped in, and Mikel fell in love with the Blues. Roman Abramovich’s side sent Mikel out to Ajax Cape Town, and when he turned 17, he was allowed to join Norwegian side Lynn Oslo, all under Chelsea’s guise.

There, Manchester United sought to take advantage of the situation, urging the youngster to pen a contract without his agent, and Mikel did, forcing both clubs into a war that saw FIFA and the English FA involved. The player’s career also halted for a year, as he couldn’t play until the issue was sorted.

Ultimately, the FA ruled the decision in Chelsea’s favour, and the three clubs settled. Mikel’s registration was to be transferred from Lyn to Chelsea, and Manchester United agreed to terminate their agreement with him.

Paul Scholes speaks on Mikel’s time at Manchester United

While he was never an official Manchester United player, Mikel was allowed to join the first team during his time on trial with the club, and Scholes mentioned the abilities of the Nigerian at the time made him a little insecure.

“I remember a bit of hype around him. He was very young at the time; he may have been 16 or 17,” the 51-year-old said in an interview with Sky Sports.

“I remember Jim Ryan, who was the assistant manager at the time, bringing him on and helping him into training with us.

“There weren’t many players of that age training with the first team, but there was a presence about him.

“I probably got a little bit competitive when I knew someone was trying to take my place. We knew there was quality there.

“His size, his quality on the ball all sum him up to be a classic number six, really. He could break up play as well, but that wasn’t all he had.

“He could pass the ball and had the odd goal here and there,” the two-time UEFA Champions League winner concluded.

Mikel’s decision to play for Chelsea yielded several positives for his career. He won the UEFA Champions League once, the Premier League twice, and the FA Cup four times.