After scoring 16 goals in a promotion-winning campaign in League Two, few players can say their reward for that achievement has been a move to Manchester United.
But that was Nick Powell's prize after an eye-catching campaign with Crewe Alexandra in 2011/12 concluded with a play-off final goal at Wembley. Just 16 days after scoring what was an excellent volley underneath the famous arch, he completed a move to Old Trafford for an initial £3million fee.
The attacking midfielder was considered one of the most exciting prospects outside the Premier League, and had won the 2012 League Two Apprentice of the Year award after a stellar campaign. However, the jump from League Two to the Premier League was a gigantic gap that Powell had to try and bridge.
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Nevertheless, former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was delighted to add him to the club's ranks, admitting: "He is an exceptional talent and has been schooled well at Crewe. I'm delighted he has chosen to come to United. He has a lot to offer and we are all looking forward to working with him."
Despite only being 18 at the time of his move to Old Trafford, Powell was not signed to primarily feature for the Under-21s; Ferguson wanted him to be in and around the first team. That was proven when he was named in the matchday squad for the very first time when United beat Southampton 3-2 at St Mary's, inspired by a Robin van Persie hat-trick.
After watching the Dutchman's heroics from the bench that afternoon, Powell, who is now at Stockport County, was awarded his competitive debut for United 13
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