Manchester United youngsters who left Old Trafford too early

Ryan Shawcross celebrates scoring with Robert Huth and Jonathan Walters during the Barclays Premier League match between Stoke City and Crystal Palace at Britannia Stadium on August 24, 2013 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Getty Images)

Ryan Shawcross (Stoke City)

Publicly criticised for his tackle that led to Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey’s double-leg break in 2010, Ryan Shawcross has come a long way, so much so that he has even been linked with a return to Old Trafford.

The 26-year-old, who initially joined Stoke on a loan deal in 2007, has since become the club captain and formed one of the most miserly defences in the league with Robert Huth.

The centre-back’s rock-solid displays in defence for the Potters have earned him rare reviews and it is a surprise he didn’t stick around to challenge Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic like Jonny Evans has.