8 Things Sunderland Fans Need To Know About Adam Matthews

4. He Was Linked With Manchester United

So impressive was Matthews' debut season in the Cardiff senior squad, he was rumoured to be on the verge of a move to defending Premier League champions Manchester United in the 2010 January transfer window. Manager Dave Jones ultimately dismissed such rumours, but the fact that such reports were deemed plausible by a number of media outlets spoke volumes about the right back's promise. He eventually did move, securing a deal to Scottish champions Celtic in the summer of 2011. He was immediately given the number 2 shirt and entrusted with a first team role, demonstrating his ability to quickly adapt to a new system and unfamiliar surroundings.