How injuries and bad timing ended my Old Trafford dream - Former Man United prospect reveals

Former Manchester United academy defender Luca Ercolani has opened up on how injuries and misfortune blocked his first-team breakthrough.

Ercolani was recruited by respected scout David Williams, joining United’s academy with high expectations. Over five years, he featured across the U18, U19, U21, and U23 teams, gaining minutes in both the EFL Trophy and the UEFA Youth League.

He even trained with the first team under two different managers, José Mourinho and later Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, showing enough quality to remain in the club’s long-term plans.

However, despite being on the brink of a senior debut, he never crossed that final line into competitive first-team football.

Speaking to Corriere Romagna, the Italian described a string of injuries that arrived just as he appeared ready to step up.

By the time he was fully fit, Manchester United had made their decision.

“When I returned, the club made it clear they wouldn’t renew my contract,” he recalled.

He added, “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. 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 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. 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.”

Since leaving Manchester, Ercolani has played for several Italian clubs across the lower divisions, rebuilding his career despite the physical and emotional setbacks.

He also made use of his time in England by obtaining his UEFA B coaching license, a step he believes will be invaluable in the future.