Manchester United and Barcelona are two of the biggest clubs in world football and only eight players have ever had the honour of playing for both.
They might not be what they once were – as their meeting in the first knockout round of the Europa League suggests – but that doesn’t negate the fact that it (usually) takes something seriously special to represent both of the historic giants.
The eight to have already pulled on both shirts include heroes at one or the other as well as names both sides would rather forget ever played for them.
Mark Hughes
Younger readers might only really recognise Hughes from his time as Man City manager. What a shame that is, because in his heyday he was one of the finest attackers of his generation.
He came through United’s academy and impressed in his early years, so much so that Terry Venebles’ Barcelona came calling in 1986 with an offer both Hughes and the club couldn’t refuse.
It didn’t work out for him and he was carted off to Bayern Munich the following year before he headed back to Manchester United, by then managed by a promising young manager called Alex Ferguson.
From that point on ‘Sparky’ became a club icon, his status solidified when he scored a brace in the 1991 Cup Winners Cup final against Barcelona.
Oh, and what a goal the second was too.
29 years ago today Mark Hughes wins the Cup Winners Cup for Manchester United vs Barca.
Just as Brian Moore thinks he’s fluffed it, Hughes leathers it from a ridiculous angle. And he doesn’t even look up.
Incredible technique.pic.twitter.com/lUJ9Lt8B11
— A Funny Old Game (@sid_lambert) May 15, 2020
Jordi Cruyff
As the son of Johan Cruyff, it’s no surprise Jordi came through Ajax’s academy first before moving to Barcelona.
There he would go on to make a number of senior appearances but in 1996 he attempted to break free of his father’s shadow and headed to Old Trafford.
“When you take a step like going to Manchester United you need to be mature enough, and I was probably one year short of that,” Cruyff later admitted to the BBC, after reflecting on his injury-ridden time in Manchester.
“I was probably the youngest person in the village where I lived and that was tough. Now it’s a different city, a different vibe – the city is alive.
“With the injuries, I could never catch that train [a run in the side] and have a stable season.
“When I look back at that team – [Ryan] Giggs, David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Roy Keane, Eric…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Football365…