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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Ricky Charlesworth

5 clubs Ravel Morrison could consider as former Man Utd prodigy weighs up next move

Ravel Morrison was once, famously, referred to by the great Sir Alex Ferguson as "the best kid you'll ever see" whilst playing for Manchester United's academy.

To say that was high praise would be a grave understatement, given the Scot's unparalleled achievements as a manager at Old Trafford. But sadly for Morrison he would never quite deliver on that promise and instead of building on that promise he has gone on to have a nomadic career.

Now aged 29, he is at a crossroads having left Derby County. Despite being part of a side that was relegated into League One, Morrison went some way to restoring his standing within football with some impressive performances in a Rams' side heavily handicapped due to off-field worries.

Here, Mirror Football looks at five potential destinations for Morrison for next season as he looks to continue rebuilding his reputation.

Burnley

The Clarets would be an enticing option for Morrison, given their big reset following relegation.

Wages wouldn't be an issue but trying to include both Morrison and new signing Scott Twine may prove problematic. But there is no doubt the idea of joining a team fancied for promotion would prove tempting, especially after a season of firefighting at Derby. The club's location is also convenient for Morrison, who is based in the North-west.

Preston North End

Another Championship side based in the North-west, Preston would prove an intriguing option for Morrison.

Manager Ryan Lowe has already thrown a career lifeline to another player who did not fulfil his potential at one of English football's biggest clubs.

Ben Woodburn, who burst onto the scene at Liverpool as a 17-year-old and is still their youngest-ever goalscorer, was handed a trial by Lowe earlier this summer and after impressing he earned a one-year contract. Morrison would also be alongside fellow ex-United players in Robbie Brady and Josh Harrop.

Bristol Rovers

Morrison playing under the tutelage of Joey Barton would be a fascinating prospect. They have previously played together when they were both at QPR, in their promotion from the Championship in 2013-14.

The Gas were promoted to League One last season in scarcely-believable circumstances, thanks to a 7-0 win on the final day. Their style of football is attractive and should make for compelling viewing as they return to the third tier. After Elliot Anderson returned to parent club Newcastle following a stunning loan spell, there is a void to be filled in the role of creator-in-chief.

Salford City

An obvious link for any player with any vague association with Manchester United, given the fact the Ammies' co-owners are the famed Class of '92.

Salford have in the past signed ample ex-United players such as Darren Gibson and James Wilson whilst loanees have often gone down the same route. With United's under-23s boss Neil Wood persuaded to take up the Salford head coach role this summer, that relationship looks set to only strengthen.

What would go against Salford is the fact they ply their trade in League Two, a division that it seems unlikely Morrison would be willing to drop down to at this juncture in his career.

Inter Miami

A move abroad would clearly not be out of bounds for Morrison. After all, he's spent a portion of his career away from these shores playing in Italy, Mexico, Sweden and the Netherlands.

A move to the MLS, potentially with David Beckham-owned and Phil Neville-coached Inter Miami, may well appeal should the opportunity arise.

Likewise there could be a clutch of other clubs willing to take a punt on Morrison, who would be seen as a marquee signing despite him not having played Premier League football since 2019.

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