Crazy James Milner Stat Proves He’s Their Worst-Ever Opponent

· GiveMeSport

Manchester United were turned down by a man who went on to boast an impressive record against them in the Premier League.

James Milner retired at the end of last season, hanging up his boots at the age of 40. He first made his debut at the age of 16 for Leeds United , spending the majority of his 24-year career playing in the Premier League.

He enjoyed spells at Manchester City , Liverpool and Brighton , where he broke the Premier League record for the player with the most appearances in the competition since it began.

During his career, he interestingly played for three of Manchester United's biggest rivals, Leeds, Manchester City and Liverpool, even turning down the chance to join the Red Devils.

To make it worse for Manchester United, Milner had the most success when playing against them, with a very strong record when he faced off against the Reds.

During Milner's 24-year playing career, there was one side who he almost always got the better of, Manchester United.

According to OptaJoe:

> "Of all players in Premier League history, James Milner has the most wins against Man Utd (12), the joint-most away wins against Man Utd (6), and is the first player to win against Man Utd at Old Trafford with four different sides ( Aston Villa, Man City, Liverpool, Brighton)."

These stats make Manchester United Milner's favourite opponent, seemingly able to get the three points frequently when he lines up against United.

To make it even worse for Manchester United, they could've stopped this from happening, having the chance to sign their worst-ever opponent before he turned the opportunity down.

Milner spent five years in the blue side of Manchester, winning two Premier League titles with Manchester City, as well as one FA Cup and one League Cup.

However, when his time at the Etihad was coming to an end, Milner had the chance to join rivals Manchester United, but instead joined Liverpool, where he spent eight years and won everything he possibly could.

According to the Liverpool Echo, Milner admitted on a podcast that United had tried to sign him. However, due to his close ties with Leeds United as well as Manchester City, he turned the move down.

He said:

> "But obviously not. No, I wouldn't have entertained it. I didn’t hold talks with them. I think I’d made up my mind about Liverpool. > > "I just couldn’t. I just couldn’t join them. I respect the club, obviously, but I’m just a Leeds fan through and through, and I dislike them.”

It was a decision that saw him lift many trophies in Merseyside, as well as beating United many times, including a 7-0 thumping at home.

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