Rodrigo Possebon targeting return to England after Manchester United nightmare

Former Manchester United midfielder Rodrigo Possebon dreams of a return to England after seeing his career prospects dwindle since leaving Old Trafford in 2009. The former Italy youth international made eight appearances for the club during two years as a professional but an injury suffered in a League Cup tie derailed his career.

Since leaving the 20-time English league champions Possebon's career has been on a downward trajectory, joining Santos on a free before moves to Sao Jose, Italian side Vicenza, Criciuma and Mirassol Futebol Clube followed, prior to his latest switch in the summer which sees him at Al-Riffa in Bahrain. It represents a sad decline for the 26-year-old who feels he still has much still to offer English football.

The downturn in Possebon's career, which showed so much promise at United, began with an injury suffered against Middlesbrough when a tackle from Emanuel Pogatetz, though not as serious as initially feared, forced him out for a month and led to him slipping out of contention under then manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Possebon joined Braga on loan prior to his permanent exit but the player has ambitions of returning to British shores in the near future.

"Unfortunately in football you are never fully protected against injuries and I was on the receiving end of a bad tackle against Middlesbrough," the ex-United man told Yahoo Sport. "But it could be much worse, that tackle could have broken my leg as people thought at the time -- that didn't happen, thank God.

"Ferguson was furious with the tackle and Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate apologised. My United career never really got going from then and I've been playing overseas. For Braga in Portugal, in Brazil and in Bahrain.

"But I have a great desire, and ambition to come back and play in England. I still think that there is no better place to play, in all terms and aspects: the level of the leagues, clubs, organisation, the structure, atmosphere and the environment are just fabulous. I like the fans, cities and the quality of life is good. So now I'm back, looking for a club."