JAMES COLLINS has revealed forgotten Manchester United wonderkid Ravel Morrison could not be tamed by Sir Alex Ferguson.
The former West Ham ace said Morrison was “one of the best players” he had ever seen but never had a chance under Fergie at Old Trafford.
GettyForgotten Manchester United wonderkid Ravel Morrison could not be tamed by Sir Alex Ferguson[/caption]
GettyMorrison was hailed as ‘one of the best players’ but never had a chance under Fergie at Old Trafford[/caption]
Getty – ContributorFormer West Ham teammate opened up about the potential Morrison had[/caption]
Morrison rose through the youth ranks at United where he was touted as one of the club’s most promising youth talents.
His football career has been hindered by legal issues and disciplinary problems.
The former midfielder made three cup appearances for the first-team before but never made a league appearance.
In 2012 he then headed down to east London where he played alongside Collins.
And speaking at the launch of Ladbrokes’ “Gaffer of all Accas” Collins hailed Morrison as one of the best.
Collins said: “I’ve spoken about him before, but Ravel Morrison, technically, is one of the best players I’ve ever seen.
“We had him for a short period at West Ham, and Big Sam [Allardyce] tried to get his head straight, if you like.
“He was a good lad, Ravel, but he had a lot going on outside of the pitch.”
Morrison continuously kept getting caught up with breaking the law during his time at United and also after.
Which Collins blamed as his downfall on becoming a star player.
He added: “I love him. He’s a good lad. It was just such a shame that everyone in football missed out on seeing how good this lad really was.
“He was unplayable, on his day… Alex Ferguson couldn’t control him, and if Sir Alex couldn’t get the best out of him, back then, then what chance has any manager got?”
“But when he was on it, and when he was training… it’s just so disappointing that West Ham fans – and the football world, actually – didn’t get to see the real Ravel Morrison.”
In 2015 Morrison left the Hammers after loan spells at Birmingham, QPR and Cardiff.
He signed for Italian side Lazio and spent the next few years in and out of more loans.
The midfielder enjoyed short stints at Sheffield United, and Middlesbrough and ended up following former teammate turned coach Rooney to Derby County and D.C United before retiring in 2023.
Collins added: “But as technically gifted players go; players who could do anything with a football, I think Ravel Morrison should’ve been up there playing for one of the top, top clubs in the world.
“If he could’ve got everything sorted off the pitch, and maybe concentrated a bit more on his football, then he’d have been top, top drawer.
“He really would have been. Technically, he was an unbelievable player.”