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Club Connections – Swansea City

Of course on Saturday, Manchester United travel to Wales to face Swansea City. With that in mind it’s worth looking at these 5 individuals who have spent time at United and the Swans in their careers.

Febian Brandy

Local lad Brandy signed for United aged nine, having been spotted playing for his local team, West End Boys. The talented forward struggled with injuries during his time at the club but when fit was a regular starter for the reserves, where he looked a fine young player.

Despite appearing in both legs of the 2007 FA Youth Cup Final against Liverpool which United lost, Febian never broke into the first-team. Instead he went out on loan (twice to Swansea) before being released by the club in 2010. He is currently a free-agent.

Harry Gregg

Few United fans would argue that Northern Irishman Gregg wasn’t one of the finest goalkeepers to have played for the club. After joining United from Doncaster for £23k (which at the time was the most expensive fee in the world for a goalkeeper) he went to become a club legend.

Despite playing for the club under Sir Matt Busby sadly Harry failed to win any medals at the club mainly due to injury. A hero of the Munich Air Disaster where he saved the lives of several individuals, he would later go onto manage Swansea shortly after his retirement.

Pat McGibbon

Rather sadly for Northern Irishman McGibbon he is often remembered as being one of the worst players to have featured for the club under Sir Alex Ferguson. His only appearance at United came in a Second Round League Cup tie at home to York City at Old Trafford.

It was a disastrous debut for Pat who got sent off. He never played for the club again and was sent out on loan to Swansea (where he played once) and Wigan before a permanent deal to join Athletic was agreed in 1997. He is now manager of Northern Irish side Newry City.

Jimmy Rimmer

Being a second choice goalkeeper at any club can be a frustrating experience for most goalkeepers. Rimmer despite having great ability in goal had to play second-fiddle to the great Alex Stepney during his time at Old Trafford.

After impressing out on loan at Swansea, Jimmy moved onto Arsenal before winning a European Cup with Aston Villa where he was the Midlands side’s undisputed first choice keeper before ending his career with the Swans who he would later go onto manage in a caretaker role.

Alan Tate

A former captain of United’s reserve team which included players such as Luke Chadwick and Chris Eagles, Tate enjoyed a loan spell at Royal Antwerp before spending two loan spells at Swansea before the move was made permanent in February 2004.

Alan’s great strength is that he can play anywhere across the back-four and has even been called upon to go in goal for the Swans which he did against QPR. His recent return from injury has certainly boosted the Welsh side’s challenge to avoid relegation.

By Adam Dennehey @ADennehey87

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