By Chris Sudlow NOT many rising stars turn down the chance to play for United.

Even fewer do so twice!

Yet the North-west's man of the moment has done just that . . . achieving Premier Division status almost through the back door.

Blackburn's exciting Matt Jansen is the player who has reportedly snubbed Sir Alex on two occasions.

While a teenage prospect at Carlisle he rejected the Reds, and went to Crystal Palace instead.

Then, when a further opportunity came with the Reds sniffing around he chose . . . Blackburn.

The significance of his decisions will not have been lost on two opponents as he scored the decisive goal in Wednesday's nail-biting match at Deepdale.

Both Preston top scorer Jon Macken, and substitute David Healy were schoolboy signings shown the door at Old Trafford after the likes of Andy Cole, Teddy Sheringham, Dwight Yorke and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer blocked their progress.

Indeed, Healy was deemed good enough to play for Northern Ireland, scoring several goals, while unable to breakthrough into the United first team.

Jansen's gradual elevation to Premier status might be a lesson to many starry-eyed youngsters bewitched by the prospect of playing for a massive club.

And when he does finally play at Old Trafford next season let's hope Jansen doesn't have the last laugh on Sir Alex!