Leicester City winger Jeffrey Schlupp has shed light on his unsuccessful trial with Manchester United in 2013.
The versatile player was handed a tryout during Alex Fergusson’s last season at Old Trafford in 2012-13, having developed through the youth ranks of Leicester since the age of 12.
Failing to land a contract with the Red Devils, the Hamburg-born returned to the Foxes, and played a crucial role in securing the club’s promotion to the English topflight in 2014.
“I don’t think I could ever turn down a move to Manchester United, but I didn’t get the opportunity at the time,” Schlupp was quoted as saying by the Mirror.
“To me, it was an opportunity. I went there, saw how it worked, and came back here a better player.
“The trial I had moulded me into the player I am today.”
Schlupp has played 22 league games for Claudio Ranieri’s side this season, scoring once.
“Leicester City is my club, it has always been my club, and I’m very grateful to be here now,” the 23-year-old added.
“I was [at United] for six weeks. It was supposed to be a week to start off, just to have a look at things, but it got extended and I found myself training with the first-team and the under-21s.”
Schlupp lasted 77 minutes in the Foxes’ 1-1 draw with Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday.