I scored an own goal in my only Man Utd game, now I’m going my own way in the EFL
DI’SHON BERNARD has no regrets about leaving Manchester United to find his feet, just as a teammate emerged to find fame.
Defender Bernard, 23, scored an own goal in the Europa League in his only senior appearance for the Red Devils in November 2019.
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And while he is relieved to have joined Sheffield Wednesday on a free transfer last summer, he is excited about the talent of fellow Old Trafford academy player Kobbie Mainoo.
Bernard is happy to be a regular in the Championship after loan spells at Salford, Hull and Portsmouth.
And while United have a long history of being forced to move to progress, he is tipping 18-year-old Mainoo to become a long-term legend.
That’s a judgment that comes from Bernard’s own open-mouthed experience training alongside the England hopeful at United two years ago.
The Jamaica star told the Manchester Evening News: “I was like, ‘Who is this kid?’ You could immediately see from the things he did in training that he was going to be a top player.
“His dribbling was remarkable, he went through the players with ease and just walked like he wasn’t even trying.
“You could immediately tell he was one of those special players coming through the ranks and I’m proud to see him play for United and do what he does. He deserves it.”
Bernard added: “He’s one of those kids who doesn’t really talk much, he was a bit shy.
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“He just let his feet do the talking and you can still see that until now. He is a special talent.
“His mentality towards the game is like that of someone who has been playing for years; he is exactly that kind of professional.
“He is willing to learn, he is willing to work hard for the team and I think United need that.”
Midfielder Mainoo made his senior debut at the age of 17, while Bernard was a month short of his 19th birthday when his big day arrived: to Astana in Kazakhstan.
He said: “It was a very special moment for me… it was a long journey, very cold, but it was a moment that will stay with me forever.
“I was really buzzing. It was nerve-wracking, but I thought I did a good job.”
However, despite an early opener from Jesse Lingard, the minnows secured a famous 2-1 victory.
Dmitri Shomko leveled – before Bernard took an unfortunate deflection past his own keeper and fellow debutant Lee Grant.
Now he is focusing on rebuilding his career, taking a step back from the Premier League.
Bernard said: “Unfortunately it doesn’t work for everyone who plays for United, but that’s the way it is; everyone’s journey is different
“Unfortunately mine wasn’t at United and I just needed to get to a place where I could play a lot of games and build myself up again.
“I think Sheffield Wednesday was definitely the right place for me to do that. It’s been a mixed season but for me personally I’ve played a lot of games and shown everyone what I can do.”
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