Luca Ercolani spent five years in Manchester United’s youth academy, before leaving the club in 2021.
The defender played ten times for the Red Devils’ U18s side. He also made 25 appearances for the U23s team but never broke into the first-team.
The Italian, who is now at Pianese in Serie C, has now spoken to Corriere Romagna about his time at Manchester United. He revealed coming close to playing for the first-team under Jose Mourinho but injuries snatched away the chance.
“I signed a three-year contract with a two-year extension. Mourinho saw me as a good fit, but unfortunately I suffered two injuries. In the third year, I broke a metatarsal in my foot, which kept me out for three months.
“The following year, after the first four games, I underwent surgery in London due to a torn cruciate ligament in my knee. It was the Covid period, and my absence was prolonged.”
Manchester United chance ruined by injuries
These issues led to Manchester United deciding against a renewal.
“When I returned, the club made it clear they wouldn’t renew my contract, so I jumped at the first opportunity, returning to Italy to play for Carpi, who had just been relegated from Serie B.”
The centre-back only had positive words to say about his time at Old Trafford.
“The English experience was a learning experience, and not just on a footballing level. I was part of a club with incredible facilities and an extraordinary footballing culture.”
Expressing gratitude, he said: “I remember being part of the Academy, and we trained with double sessions every day. I was fortunate to have an experience of this calibre.”
It is clear that the 25-year-old has no ill-feelings towards Manchester United.
Since leaving Old Trafford, the defender has had spells at Foggia, Alessandria and Catania but never quite settled.
Things look far better now at Pianese, where Ercolani has played 28 times. He’s also captained the Italian third division outfit multiple times this season.