Unmasked: The Former Manchester United Prodigy, Often Compared to Totti, was Pogba's Closest Friend, Trained Under Solskjaer, and Experienced a Physical Encounter during Training Sessions in the North West Region of England
Breaking into the prestigious Manchester United first team isn't a walk in the park, especially for young players like Davide Petrucci, once dubbed 'the next Totti.'
Training with the first team at such a renowned club can be a rollercoaster ride, filled with pressure and tension. For Petrucci, this was especially true, as he found himself competing for a spot with more experienced players.
His impressive performances for AS Roma's youth team didn't go unnoticed, earning him a £20,000 move to Manchester United. His talents shone in the reserve team, hitting the headlines with his captaincy, and a string of victories in various competitions.
However, his time at Manchester United wasn't without controversy. A training ground altercation with Nani, currently of Tottenham Hotspur, reportedly led to a heated encounter in the gym, ending with an alleged punch from Nani. This incident left Sir Alex Ferguson livid and resulted in an uncomfortable atmosphere within the squad.
Petrucci made the leap to a new country alone, relying on the friendship of fellow academy player Federico Macheda, and future record-breaking transfer acquisition Paul Pogba, to help him navigate the unfamiliar culture and language. The trio, including other Italian players, took the initiative to teach each other their respective languages, creating a bond that transcended football.
Petrucci admired Pogba's raw talent from the start, noting his rapid improvement at Juventus, where he physically bulked up to become the force he is today. He and Pogba shared a close bond during their time together at Manchester United, often teaching each other English and sharing stories from their homes in Italy and France.
Petrucci was fortunate to be coached by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer during his time at the academy. His coaching style, characterized by freedom and enjoyment, resonated with players. Solskjaer's ability to create a positive environment is believed to have influenced Manchester United's decision to appoint him as their manager in 2018.
Petrucci's career at Manchester United came to an end in 2014 without making a first team appearance. After several unsuccessful stints at various clubs, he currently plays for ACR Messina. With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, Petrucci reflects on his time at Manchester United, cherishing the friendships and lessons learned in one of the world's most iconic football clubs.
Despite his success with Manchester United's reserve team, Petrucci faced challenges integrating into the premier-league squad, often facing pressure due to competition with more experienced players. With his eye for sports-analysis, Petrucci could see the potential of fellow Italian player Paul Pogba, who soon became a standout player in European-leagues.
