Many fans forget that one of the best defenders in world football once played in the Premier League. Barcelona's Gerard Pique spent four years in Manchester, sandwiched between two spells at the Nou Camp, with the later obviously standing out as one of the best teams in football living history. Fergie brought Pique to Old Trafford as a 17 year old in 2004 and was limited to just 12 appearances in all competitions in the four seasons he was over here. The defensive performances this season by United's back four and the incapability to find a long term replacement for Rio Ferdinand, Ferguson must be kicking himself in his director's box still to this day. It was revealed before Christmas that being homesick was the reason for Pique's return to Catalonia, but should he have been given a chance to properly shine in the famous red and win himself a starting place, it could have been a different story, and not just for United, but for the Spanish giants too. Pique is still only 26, amazingly, and has won no less than four La Liga titles, two Copa Del Ray winners medals, two UEFA Champions League trophies, one World Cup and one European Championship, as well as featuring in the FIFA World XI three times in his second spell at Barca, something David Moyes could only dream of right now. Have we missed anyone out? Let us know below.
Joseph is a sports journalist, who has previously worked for Sky Sports News, Soccer Saturday, UEFA's coverage of the Champions League and Europa League and The London 2012 Olympic Games, as well as football clubs such as FC Halifax Town, Corby Town and Crystal Palace FC.
