The story of Giuliano Maiorana is nothing short of remarkable.Manchester United fans may recognise the name but fans of rivals clubs are probably thinking: ‘Who?’Maiorana was playing in the 10th tier of English football as a 19-year-old when he caught the attention of one of the most famous clubs in world football."When I heard about United watching me on the Wednesday night, I thought it was a joke,” Maiorana - now 49 - told Manchester Evening News.“Then, on Saturday, I was told about the trial. I thought I would have three or four weeks to get my head around it as it's a bit daunting; they wanted me to go up on the Monday.”After a few training sessions, Maiorana was asked to play in Ian Handysides' testimonial.And he was so good that Alex Ferguson offered him a four-year contract in the dressing room at half-time.“One of the best ever displays I have ever seen from a trialist,” Fergie wrote at the time.Maiorana went on to make eight appearances for the Red Devils but soon fell out of favour with Ferguson.And then, when playing for United’s reserves against Aston Villa, he tore his cruciate ligament as he attempted an overhead kick.His football career was over.

Maiorana couldn’t cope with that fact and moved to Sweden in an attempt to start his life again.

"I went out to Sweden to get away from England, Man United and the rest of it,” he admitted.

But he’s now returned to England and is back working in his family’s upholstery business.

What an incredible story.

Maiorana was plucked by obscurity and could have become a United star. He certainly won over Ferguson during his early days at the club.

But a bad injury killed his football career right there and then and he's back to working at his family business.