From a Wembley volley to Manchester United, the rise and resilience of Nick Powell
In short: In 2012, Nick Powell was the crown jewel of Crewe Alexandra, sweeping every club award after a decisive Wembley volley. His subsequent journey through the highs of Manchester United and the lows of injury and loan spells reveals the complex reality of professional football.
Nick Powell’s ascent began in earnest during the 2011–12 season at Crewe Alexandra. After a standout campaign that saw him win every end-of-season award—including Player of the Year and Goal of the Season for a 30-yard strike—he secured a move to Manchester United in July 2012. The deal was reportedly worth up to £6 million, contingent on his future success and appearances.
His time at Old Trafford was marked by flashes of brilliance and the struggle for consistency. After making his Premier League debut against Wigan Athletic in September 2012, he scored in his first appearance. However, he struggled to secure a permanent place in the first team, leading to various loan spells at Wigan Athletic, Leicester City, and Hull City. His stint at Leicester City in late 2015 was cut short when the club terminated his loan due to a perceived lack of commitment to training.
Despite facing significant setbacks, including serious hamstring problems that sidelined him for nine months and various leg injuries, Powell demonstrated remarkable resilience. He found success in the lower leagues, notably helping Wigan Athletic win the League One title in the 2017–18 season and later becoming Stoke City's Player of the Year in May 2021, winning nearly 60% of the vote. His career has since seen him navigate the complexities of the English football pyramid, from the Championship to League Two.
Throughout his career, Powell has been a consistent presence in the England youth setups, representing the nation from the under-16 level through to the under-21s.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Nick Powell
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/history-nick-powell.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Born on this day · More in History · Latest · A–Z · All topics
