'I was unfairly treated at Man Utd - I had no choice but to refuse a new deal'

'I was unfairly treated at Man Utd - I had no choice but to refuse a new deal'This former Man United star turned down a new contract despite playing under iconic manager Sir Alex FergusonCommentsSportChris Burns Senior Sports Writer10:36, 13 Apr 2026Updated 10:36, 13 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesDanny Webber played for United in a legends game in 2017(Image: 2017 Getty Images)Former Manchester United striker Danny Webber previously disclosed that he rejected a new contract at Old Trafford after feeling he'd been treated unjustly. Webber, now 44, turned out for nine clubs throughout his career, with a spell at Leeds — United's opponents in the Premier League on Monday night — being amongst them.‌Webber arrived at United as an academy prospect in the 1997/98 campaign. He netted 16 times in 11 outings for the club's Under-17s and was handed a professional deal in December 1998.‌Yet despite shining through the youth system and earning praise from the likes of Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke, he found it difficult to establish himself in the senior squad. Temporary moves to Watford and Port Vale ensued.‌Via The Standard, Webber said: "I used to clean Andy's boots, and he was always looking out for me, telling me I was doing really well."He'd mention me, really talk me up, in interviews with United's magazine or on MUTV. I was only 16 or 17, and it gave me a real buzz. With Yorkie, it was more tips on how I should be doing things. They were great strikers, and they both rated me. Yet three years later, I was still in the reserves, stuck behind Diego Forlan and David Bellion."READ MORE: Surprising number of wins Man Utd need to secure Champions League qualificationREAD MORE: Marcus Rashford transfer twist as Liverpool set to be beaten to summer dealWebber revealed he had to prioritise his career, which meant rejecting a substantial three-year contract from Sir Alex Ferguson himself. He said: "I'd watch Forlan miss chance...