"When Phil Bardsley came up through the Manchester United ranks in the early 2000s, his academy cohort had the perfect set of role models to follow, as the iconic Class of 92' had been living the dream and conquering English football in Sir Alex Ferguson's side. But this would also prove to be a double-edged sword, as to establish themselves in the Red Devils starting XI, it would mean finding a way past perhaps the most famous batch of homegrown players in the modern era."
"That move to Sunderland came in 2008, when he was signed by his former Manchester United team-mate Roy Keane, who had guided the Black Cats into the Premier League two years earlier. It was weird actually, Bardsley recalls to FourFourTwo when asked about the move. I'd sat down with Sir Alex, who knew that I needed to be playing more regularly and actively helped me find a new club."
Phil Bardsley emerged from Manchester United's academy in the early 2000s alongside the Class of '92. He made his senior debut in December 2003 but managed only 18 appearances for Manchester United by 2008. Multiple loan spells followed at Royal Antwerp, Burnley, Rangers, Aston Villa and Sheffield United. Limited first-team opportunities were caused by established defenders such as Gary Neville, his brother Phil and Wes Brown. In 2008 Bardsley signed for Sunderland under Roy Keane and became a regular starter. The move to Sunderland allowed Bardsley to play consistently and establish his professional career.
Read at www.fourfourtwo.com
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