For the first time in 57 years, a player has moved between Manchester United and Liverpool.
On Friday, United confirmed the capture of 16-year-old Ethan Ennis after he rejected a new contract with the Merseyside outfit.
Ennis himself had announced he would be joining United a few weeks back but the transfer was made official today when United named him as one of their Professional Development Phase players for the 2021/22.
Missed this yesterday, but Ethan Ennis (2004) confirmed he had joined Man Utd.
The forward scored five goals in eight games for Liverpool U18s last season but rejected a scholarship offer at Anfield.
Chelsea were also reportedly keen.#NXGN pic.twitter.com/VqzsUZOIdK
— Tom Maston (@TomMaston) July 28, 2021
The attacking midfielder was a key part of the Liverpool youth side that reached the FA Cup final before beaten 2-1 by Aston Villa.
Ennis’ move is a rare one as a player has not gone to the other side of the East Lancs Road since Phil Chisnall made a £25,000 switch to Anfield in 1964.
“I was 21, Liverpool had won the league and were a great club,” Chisnall told the Liverpool Echo regarding his move.
“Liverpool was a vibrant place with the Beatles making it big and Shankly reviving Liverpool Football Club, so I decided to go for it.
“After I signed I went back and played for Liverpool against United at Old Trafford. I can’t remember getting any stick – it wasn’t like that back then.
In 2007, United defender Gabriel Heinze wanted to sign for Liverpool after falling out of favour at Old Trafford but Sir Alex Ferguson would not sanction the sale to the club’s north west neighbours.
A bid of around £6.8 million was rejected and soon lawyers from both parties were involved in the situation, with Heinze’s case ultimately dismissed by a Premier League panel.
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Heinze would end up signing for Real Madrid that summer, playing 60 times over two seasons.
The likes of Paul Ince and Michael Owen have both turned out for the pair of Premier League giants – with the latter causing a huge stir amongst Liverpool fans who adored him when he was banging in the goals back in his prime. Featured Image Credit: PA |