Manchester City and Manchester United are eternal rivals and for a player to play for both clubs is considered a cardinal sin in footballing terms.
So much so that Carlos Tevez’s move to Manchester City infuriates Gary Neville to this day.
Six players have played for both Manchester clubs and by doing so, their transfers were considered controversial at the time.
However, players throughout history have played for their domestic rivals, with Sol Campbell’s move to Arsenal in 2003 being the standout example in English football.
Liam Delap snubbed Man United move due to his history with Man City
Liam Delap was a player who was linked with a move to Manchester United.
At one point, Manchester United looked likely to sign Delap, but eventually, Chelsea secured his services for £30 million (Sky Sports).
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Considering the former Ipswich Town striker developed his game at the Etihad Stadium before his move to Ipswich, City fans would have been delighted that he did not end up at Ruben Amorim’s side.
The Athletic have reported that Delap rejected a move to Manchester United because of their failure to qualify for Europe, while there was a feeling that he was also reluctant to make the switch due to his history with Manchester City — where he broke into the first-team and even made six appearances.
Liam Delap looking on during Chelsea v Fulham
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox met the Englishman a few days before the Europa League final between United and Tottenham Hotspur and felt they had a “real chance” of signing him.
Manchester City were linked with Delap’s signature as well and as Manchester United figures tried to dissuade him from joining Chelsea due to Joao Pedro’s imminent move to West London at the time, his mind was made up as the Blues sold him on the fact that he would lead the line for them.
The reason why Liam Delap was not keen on Man City return
Aside from Manchester United, Delap was not keen on rejoining Manchester City as well because of Erling Haaland’s presence and Omar Marmoush signing for the Sky Blues in January.
Ultimately, City fans may understand why Chelsea appealed to the former Derby County goalscorer, as he can start regularly at Stamford Bridge while appreciating him for not becoming a United player.