I had to leave Manchester United to kickstart my career - but I regretted it
manchestereveningnews.co.ukIt is a well-known fact that only a small percentage of those who are enrolled into Manchester United's academy end up enjoying a lucrative career at Old Trafford.
So many youngsters over the years have fallen short of making their first-team debut, while others have forced their way in and then struggled to stay there.
The latter applies to Marnick Vermijl, who joined United's academy from Belgian side Standard Liege in 2010. After the best part of two years playing for the youth teams and for the reserves, Vermijl's moment in the spotlight arrived when Newcastle United visited Old Trafford in the third round of the League Cup in September 2012.
Handed his senior debut by Sir Alex Ferguson he started alongside the likes of David de Gea, Javier Hernandez and Wayne Rooney, helping United seal a 2-1 win. READ MORE: I signed for United and wanted to quit after my first training session READ MORE: I was given my United debut by Sir Alex Ferguson - but he never even spoke to me Unfortunately for him it did not prove to be a breakthrough moment, so much so he had to wait almost another two years before sampling the taste of first-team football in United colours again.
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