Originally Posted by Mr. MUJAC

A couple of things.......

1. Lads are looked at and given a chance.....Barnes was given a chance
2. Sometimes it works out and sometimes not......normally not...however this is very normal....you don't just look at eleven players and make a team...you probably test out 100's of youngsters to get teh cream good enough for United
3. Playing reserve team football at United (with good players around you)..playing football to your feet, along the ground is totally different than playing down the leagues in a kick and rush approach....so many ex-United players struggle down the divisions because they play the 'United way'.....most midfielders don't see the ball.....most wingers are asked to defend more than attack...especially in struggling teams...
4. Michael was always a creative, pacy, direct winger.....clear strengths...however his lack of aggressiveness and fight were perhaps his weakness.....things you need in the lower levels

I am not too surprised and wish the lad all the best in finding another club.