Yahoo News I wanted to be a legend at Man United – I will be mad at myself until the day I die
Morgan Schneiderlin expressed deep regret over his unfulfilled Manchester United career.
The Frenchman, who announced his retirement aged 34 last month, confessed he will be haunted by it until the "end of his life". The midfielder had envisioned becoming a club legend at Old Trafford but lasted a mere 18 months at the club.
After making his mark with Southampton and earning promotion to the Premier League, Schneiderlin became a standout Premier League player. His performances earned him a lucrative move to United for £27million in July 2015, where he believed his most successful playing days awaited him.
READ MORE: 'I lost me as a player' - Morgan Schneiderlin opens up on Manchester United regrets
After initially being a regular pick under Louis van Gaal, Schneiderlin's time at United soured dramatically once Jose Mourinho took charge. He saw only 147 minutes of action in the entire 2016/17, and left for Everton mid-way through the campaign.
From there, his career began to nosedive. Three-and-a-half years at Goodison Park failed to rejuvenate him, and in 2020 he moved on Ligue 1 club Nice.
Following a couple of season on the south coast of France, he joined Australian outfit Western Sydney Wanderers on loan. Then, in 2023 he signed for Greek side AE Kifisia. But after making just nine appearances for the club, he decided to hang up his boots.
Speaking to the Daily Mail in 2023, Schneiderlin said he regrets the premature nature of his United departure, lamenting the missed opportunity to deeply imprint his legacy at Old Trafford. "I know if I played to my full potential, with freedom, I would not be in Australia right now. Maybe I would still be at Manchester United," he said.
"When I signed, I wanted to be a legend there. That is why I am mad with myself and it will be hard until the end of my life. My friends ask, 'Why are you saying this?' But I know myself and what I can bring. I know this time at Manchester United affected me for the longest period in my career.
"I was so frustrated I couldn't give what I wanted. I had a period after at Everton when I didn't lose the fire, but I lost a little bit inside me, I am not going to hide that. I should have managed it better.
"You work so hard to be at the top, top level. A lot of people were telling me I would be one of the top players in the world. I had the gut feeling that I had everything to be a top player in the world. Not being able to reach that level will stay with me forever."
In total, Schneiderlin spent 12 years in English football. He won the FA Cup, Europa League and Community Shield at United, and also earned 15 caps for France between 2014 and 2015.
