Man Utd star who refused contract while Erik ten Hag was boss suffers huge fall from grace

Man Utd star who refused contract while Erik ten Hag was boss suffers huge fall from grace

Millions of youngsters around the world dream of playing for Manchester United, but one Red Devils academy ace infamously snubbed a contract offer from the Reds

One former Manchester United academy star turned down an opportunity to potentially work with Erik ten Hag (Image: Alex Livesey, Getty Images )

Former Manchester United academy starlet Martin Svidersky is still yet to make his senior debut for Almeria. Ever since his move to the La Liga side, the Slovakian youngster has been confined to reserve team duties.

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In the summer of 2022, the then-19 year old turned down a new contract with the Red Devils and exited Old Trafford for a fresh start with the Spanish club. Despite battling through numerous injuries while in the academy, United were keen to keep him and offered him an extension.

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At that time, the Red Devils had just gone through a dismal season, which resulted in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's dismissal and Ralf Rangnick taking temporary charge. Svidersky, who joined United at the tender age of 15 in 2018, could have had the chance to showcase his talents to Erik ten Hag.

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Instead, he opted for a switch to Spain with Almeria, but the move hasn't gone as planned for the midfielder. His failure to break into the first team is a huge fall from grace after he was tipped for big things when he arrived on the red side of Manchester.

Upon signing for Almeria, he expressed his optimism to RTVS at the time, saying: "I have spent the last days in Spain, where my steps will continue. They will follow in the first Spanish league, La Liga. I have high expectations, it will be a new experience, a new country."

However, his journey with Almeria got off to a rocky start when he was sent off on his debut for the reserves, despite their 3-0 victory over El Palo FC. His dismissal came after he had waited four months to get onto the pitch for the B team.

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After an 18-month stint, he was loaned out to Real Murcia, who ultimately decided not to make the move permanent. Svidersky did see more action with Almeria's reserves last season, clocking up 24 appearances.

However, he might now be regretting his choice to leave Old Trafford. In October 2022, he explained his decision to turn down United's contract offer, believing that he would grow more as a player and individual in Spain.

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Speaking to Flashscore, he said: "I experienced a lot of nice moments in Manchester, but also difficult moments. They definitely strengthened me and taught me a lot. I tried to use every second.

"I think I made the most of my time. It's true that I didn't manage to fulfil the dream I came for, I was very close, but I chose a different path.

Svidersky is yet to make a senior appearance for Almeria (Image: 2022 Getty Images )

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"I prioritised personal development over 'fame'. I met great people who I have stayed in touch with. Thank you also for my second parents from Manchester who have already come to visit me in Spain."

The Slovakian's exit also meant missing out on what could have been an impressive season at United under Ten Hag, who led the team to a third-place finish and a League Cup victory.

That season turned out to be Ten Hag's best with United, as they ended up eighth the next year before clinching the FA Cup. The former Ajax boss was dismissed at the end of October 2024 following a loss to West Ham United which left the team languishing in 14th place.

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