Michael Barnes

Born in Chorley, Lancashire, Barnes was spotted playing for Conference North side Lancaster City in the FA Youth Cup and, after a successful trial in November 2005, the young winger joined Manchester United's youth academy that December. In his first season with the club, he made 16 appearances, including five for the Reserves. The 2006–07 season saw Barnes make his breakthrough into the Reserves, making 25 appearances and scoring four goals. On 25 October 2006, he made his debut for the first team, coming on as a half-time substitute for Phil Marsh. However, he himself was substituted just before half-time in extra time, being replaced by Ryan Shawcross. Barnes played in the final of the 2006–07 Manchester Senior Cup, scoring United's only goal in a 3–1 loss to Manchester City. In August 2007, he gave several impressive performances for United in the 2007 Champions Youth Cup in Malaysia, which United went on to win. Despite being an ever-present in the reserve team in the first half of the 2007–08 season, it was announced on 3 January 2008 that Barnes had joined Chesterfield on loan for the remainder of the season, to gain first team experience. However, due to a lack of opportunities in the Chesterfield first team, Barnes' loan contract was terminated prematurely and he returned to Manchester United after just three appearances for the Derbyshire club. On 27 February 2008, Barnes went on a week-long trial at Inverness Caledonian Thistle, with a view to securing a permanent…

:Last update: 21:45, 18 May 2008 (UTC)