Mikel Obi Reveals Why Manchester United Move Never Happened

Former Super Eagles and Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has revealed why a potential transfer to Manchester United fell through when he was a teenager. Despite impressing then‑United boss Sir Alex Ferguson during a trial at Old Trafford, Mikel says he was unable to sign for the club due to strict Premier League eligibility rules.

At the time, foreign players under a certain age needed to have played in a significant portion of their national team’s senior matches to qualify for a move — a condition Mikel had not met as a young Nigerian. Because he was also too young to appear in competitive games, United could not complete the transfer.

Mikel recalls training regularly with United’s first team and impressing the coaching staff, but ultimately the age and eligibility rules prevented the deal from going forward. He eventually joined Chelsea, where he went on to enjoy a long and successful career.