in ,

Club Connections – Fulham

Of course on Wednesday, Manchester United travel down to Craven Cottage to play Fulham. With that in mind it’s worth looking at these 6 individuals who have spent time at United and Fulham in their careers.

Peter Beardsley

It’s easy to forget that arguably one of the best wingers in English football Beardsley played just the once for United in 1982 after signing from Canadian side Vancouver Whitecaps. Surprisingly Ron Atkinson failed to see his talent and he was released.

Peter signed his boyhood club Newcastle United in 1983 before becoming a household name on Merseyside and for England. After a second spell with Newcastle he ended his playing days with short spells at Bolton, Manchester City and Fulham.

George Best

There are few footballers who are talked about as one of the greatest players of all-time; the magical Northern Irishman Best is one of a select few whose name crops up over and over again. He was a magical player with quick feet and breathtaking skills.

One part of the holy trinity with Sir Bobby Charlton and Denis Law, George enjoyed many fine moments at Old Trafford before leaving at the age of 27. He enjoyed a season and a half at Fulham in the 70’s playing second-division football where his vision and touch still showed.

Jonathan Greening

After joining United as a talented youngster from York, Jonathan became a steady player in our reserves and had only limited chances to break into our first team. He did though pick up a winner’s medal in United’s Champions League triumph of 1999 as an unused substitute.

In 2001, he left United joining Middlesbrough as one of Steve McLaren’s first signings and had three successful years up at the Riverside before joining West Brom in 2004. He later become club-captain for the Baggies before joining Fulham in 2010.

Paul Parker

One of the United’s most iconic full-backs, Parker began his career at Fulham as a midfielder. He made his name at QPR as a right-back and played a major role in England’s charge to the semi-finals in the 1990 World Cup under the late Sir Bobby Robson.

In 1991 Paul signed for United after impressing Sir Alex Ferguson. Unfortunately he struggled with injuries during his five year spell at Old Trafford but still won 4 major honours. He would later return to Fulham playing three times before retiring in 1997.

Louis Saha

Very few people would argue the fact that when fit there are few better strikers in the Premier League than Saha. He has pace, flair, a powerful shot and a knack of scoring a variety of goals regularly. Sadly he has a knack of picking up injuries which have held back his career.

After a stint at Newcastle, Louis adapted to the English game well at Fulham before making a big-money move to United in 2004. Sadly despite an impressive scoring record, he left after struggling with injuries and has spent the last three seasons at Everton.

Edwin Van der Sar

United fans have said that Dutch keeper Van der Sar has been the club’s best ever goalkeeper since Peter Schmeichel. Whilst that’s the case, the great keeper deserves to be spoken about in his own right as his form in his final years for the club was outstanding to say the least.

There were doubts raised when he joined United from Fulham at the age of 34 whether he was still a great keeper but in six seasons he improved year on year at the club with his crowning moment being his penalty save in Moscow from Nicolas Anelka which won United the European Cup.

By Adam Dennehey @ADennehey87

QPR v Manchester United Preview: Can Warnock Get One Over Sir Alex?

QPR 0 United 2: Carrick Stars In Attacking Away Win