Liverpool's title dream is 'over', Mo Salah has been 'so far off it' and Reds must make decision over 'erratic' Darwin Nunez's future... Jamie Carragher's RUTHLESS verdict after derby defeat
Liverpool close in on Arne Slot as their next manager with talks developing quickly to take over from Jurgen Klopp - and deal for Dutchman could even be concluded by THIS WEEKEND
Liverpool's title chances were washed away on a blue tide of desire. The timing of this defeat by Everton could not have been worse, writes IAN LADYMAN
Xavi makes HUGE U-turn and 'will now STAY' as Barcelona manager, with club icon changing his mind despite previously insisting 'it was absolutely right decision' to step down this summer
Football agent Saif Rubie says it would have been a 'suicide mission' to threaten former Chelsea chief Marina Granovskaia in row over £300,000 payment
Ruben Amorim held talks with West Ham on Monday - yet remains a 8/1 outsider with Sky Bet to be appointed manager of the Hammers
Jean-Philippe Mateta left £100m-rated Alexander Isak in the shade as he ran riot through heart of Newcastle, writes CRAIG HOPE as Crystal Palace all-but secure Premier League safety
Wolves 0-1 Bournemouth: Antoine Semenyo scores the only goal of the game to intensify the chase for a top-half finish... while Milos Kerkez picks up a red card!
Referees chief Howard Webb will hold peace talks with Nottingham Forest this week after furious statement blasting decisions and Stuart Attwell... with VAR audio set to be played at the meeting
Jude Bellingham's new girlfriend REVEALED: Model is 'completely smitten' with the footballer and 'has been staying at his Spanish pad'
Wobbly Man United had to drag themselves back yet AGAIN in 4-2 win over Sheffield United... Erik ten Hag keeps giving reasons for him not to be part of the club's future, writes CHRIS WHEELER
Bruno Fernandes admits Man United 'put ourselves in a position where it's tough to win games' but hails the team's character to come from behind again in 4-2 win over Sheffield United
PLAYER RATINGS: Bruno Fernandes impresses for Man United in win over Sheffield United... but which two players only get a 5/10 rating?
THE NOTEBOOK: Jack Dowling unites Goodison Park, Idrissa Gana Gueye halts Liverpool's creativity and Sean Dyche changes it up after 550 games
THE NOTEBOOK: Sheffield United's leaky defence breaks a record, Man United stand against spending cap as Ethan Wheatley makes his debut for Red Devils
Inside the Premier League's social media 'factories': Nottingham Forest's owner dictating posts, Chelsea players put out by Cole Palmer promotion, a banned nickname at Arsenal... and what happens when it goes wrong
PLAYER RATINGS: Jarrad Branthwaite played like he has been at this level for a decade for Everton while relentless Idrissa Gueye was everywhere... but which Liverpool star is given a 3.5/10?
Chelsea risk dressing room backlash if Mauricio Pochettino is sacked... with Blues squad supportive of their under-fire boss amid ongoing struggles
Ben White's agent responds to Arsenal star's critics and says 'no-one knows what's going on in someone's life' - after reposting a critique of Harry Redknapp's 'slam the door' comments on his England exile
Premier League club speak out to DENY their players are the two stars, 19, arrested in a rape probe, after rampant speculation on social media
How Ollie Watkins made me eat my own words with his irresistible display against Arsenal, writes SIMON JORDAN
The Arsenal WAGs club! Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard and Ben White's partners dance and party in a box during thrashing of Chelsea
Jurgen Klopp reveals his favourite Merseyside derby moment and claims it took him a year to 'get a feel' for the iconic rivalry
Carlos Tevez released from hospital in Buenos Aires after suffering chest pains... with the Independiente expected back at training TOMORROW

Size isn't everything! Chelsea's Michael Essien reveals he was rejected by Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson... for being too small

By Sportsmail Reporter
Updated: 19:13 EDT, 22 September 2010

View
comments

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has revealed Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson rejected him twice - because he was too small.

Essien, 27, has been in inspired form as Carlo Ancelotti’s side made a perfect start to the season – even helping himself to two goals.

But it hasn’t all been all plain sailing for the Ghanaian who was deemed too short for life in the Premier League by Fergie.

Short stuff: Essien was snubbed by Fergie for being too small

Short stuff: Essien was snubbed by Sir Alex for being too small

He told Match of the Day magazine: ‘I had two trials at United, but I was seen as too small.

'I think Sir Alex was looking for a certain type of player and I wasn’t the one then.’

Use your head: Essien has bagged two goals this season - both at West Ham

After missing the World Cup and much of the past two seasons because of knee injuries the former Ghana captain recently announced he was taking a break from international football.

His form has benefitted greatly and he has admitted he is also relishing life in the capital.

Essien said: ‘I love the city of London, as there’s always something different to do.

'People are friendly here and they’ve always been good to me – that’s what I love about England.’

And with the Stamford Bridge club already in pole position to retain this year’s title, Essien has turned his sights on the team's celebrations.

In particular those of his African team-mates who vie to perform the best moves every time the club win a competition.

‘Some of the Chelsea players perform African dances after we win a trophy,’ said Essien. ‘I’d say mine is the best, followed by Didier Drogba’s, then John Obi Mikel.’

Match of the Day magazine is on sale now