Christian Pulisic says Man Utd used to have a player he absolutely ‘loved’

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AC Milan winger Christian Pulisic has named a former Manchester United player he idolised as a kid.

Christian Pulisic emerged through the Borussia Dortmund academy as one of the brightest talents in Europe before joining Chelsea.

The United States international was linked with moves to Manchester United and Liverpool before joining Chelsea, where he struggled with injuries before signing for AC Milan.

Pulisic made 145 appearances for Chelsea, scoring 26 goals and registering 21 assists. His tally in Serie A has been more impressive, with 63 goal contributions in 109 games.

While nobody at United will regret not signing Pulisic, it is clear that the American winger has respect for the Red Devils after spending his younger years idolising one of their greatest ever players.

Wayne Rooney was Christian Pulisic’s idol

Although Pulisic spent four years at Chelsea, the 27-year-old didn’t name any Blues when asked about players he idolised as a kid.

One of the two players Pulisic mentions is Luis Figo, who is one of the greatest players to come from Portugal, perhaps only bettered by Cristiano Ronaldo.

Pulisic also named Wayne Rooney because of his mentality and how he wanted to replicate that himself, as a footballer.

When asked to name his football idol growing up, Pulisic told CBS Sports: “Between Wayne Rooney and Luis Figo were my two football idols. Yeah.”

He added: “I loved Wayne Rooney. ‘[He] was like this such fighter mentality. Like he was like this bulldog and just like wanted to score so bad.

“I just loved his style and that’s kind of how I wanted to be.”

Rooney is United’s record scorer with 253 goals in all competitions.

It’s a possibility that watching Rooney led to Pulisic being a United fan.

Christian Pulisic has a terrible record against Man Utd

During his time at Chelsea, Pulisic played against United eight times.

The American never tasted victory or registered a goal contribution against the Red Devils in any of his appearances.

United won three of those games, and five ended as draws.

Both teams will hope to qualify for the Champions League next season, which could see Pulisic take on United again.