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Michael clegg
Current Manchester United first team strength & power coach
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Sunderland A.F.C. Strength & Conditioning Coach 2006 - 2018
Manchester United Defender 1995-2000
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Mike was a former defender at Manchester United football club. He began his football career as a trainee with Manchester United and signed the apprentice forms two days after his sixteenth birthday in July 1993.
He was a member of the 1995 FA Youth Cup-winning side, playing at center-half in the first leg of the final. He also won The Reserve Team Player of the Year for Season 1997/98.
He turned professional soon afterwards, he signed a professional contract in July 1995 and he was pro for 7 years. He was captain of the reserves, where he captained United's reserve team to their Manchester Senior Cup Final victory over Oldham Athletic and played 23 times for the first team.
During his time at Manchester United Mike also made appearances for England’s U21’s. He made his first team debut on 23 November 1996 in the Premiership game away to Middlesbrough which finished as a 2–2 draw. He retained his place in the side for the following week's League (Coca Cola) Cup visit to Leicester City, where his performance earned him rave reviews.
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He played in four FA Premier League games in the 1996-97 season and although United were champions for the fourth time in fifth season it was not enough for a title winner's medal. He managed a further three appearances in 1997-98 when United were trophy less for only the second time in the decade.
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During the 1998/99 season, his first team chances were restricted to Worthington Cup fixtures. Michael found it hard to break into the First Team making just five appearances in 1999/2000 campaign. This was when United won their sixth title in eight seasons, but once again Mike failed to meet the required number of appearances for a title winner's medal.
Having gained first team experience at United, Mike then spent a time on loan at Ipswich Town, Wigan Athletic before joining Oldham Athletic. In his first season, Oldham qualified for the Division two playoffs, but at that time the club then went into Administration and Mike helped a heavily shaped squad from relegation in his final season. He retired from professional football at the tender age of 27.
