What Happened to Ravel Morrison? From Wonderkid to Journeyman

Born in Wythenshawe, Manchester, in 1993, Ravel Morrison was once considered a future Manchester United star. The intervening years featured many twists and turns, in one of the most interesting and nomadic football careers in recent times.

Back in 2010, Manchester United were convinced they had their next superstar. Ravel Morrison was blessed with a rare combination of pace, balance, and technical skill. Yet this early potential took a different direction, including spells across the footballing world, from Italy to Mexico and more.

Here we explore Ravel Morrison’s football story, including the factors that impacted his playing journey and struggles along the way. As fans wonder what happened to this wonderkid . Plus, we ask what is he doing now?

A local Manchester lad, Ravel Morrison ironically started out in youth football training at Manchester City. Finding himself released, he then joined rivals Manchester United at the age of 9.

Ravel Morrison’s skills were well-known from these early days. As season observers in the red half of Manchester compared him to club legends like Ryan Giggs and George Best.

After making waves on the United training pitch and starring in United’s 2011 FA Youth Cup win, his Manchester United first-team debut came in a 3-2 League Cup victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2010.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson praised Ravel Morrison’s natural ability and undoubted skills. It seemed he had a bright future ahead.

Despite this early promise, concerns surfaced about Morrison’s off-pitch activities. Including 2011 charges for witness intimidation and assault. That said, an ADHD diagnosis in 2011 may go some way to explain some of these difficulties.

Further trouble emerged in February 2012 with an FA charge for offensive remarks on Twitter. During these disciplinary problems, Morrison struggled with consistency and discipline. Often late for training at United, leading to limited first team opportunities in a star-studded squad.

To little surprise, patience eventually wore thin at Manchester United . After just three senior outings across 2 seasons, United sold him to West Ham United in January 2012. His spell in East London peaked in the 2013-2014 campaign, including 3 goals and 2 assists in the opening 17 games. Including a wonder goal against Tottenham at White Hart Lane in October 2013.

During his West Ham career, Ravel Morrison spent the 2012-2013 campaign on loan at Birmingham City. Followed by short 2014 loans to Queens Park Rangers and Cardiff City. At QPR, he played in the 2014 English Championship play-off winning side.

Further legal issues followed, including a July 2014 assault allegation, which was later dropped. But these kinds of distractions did little to help a fledgling top-flight career. A fractured relationship with Hammers boss Sam Allardyce led to another exit.

Seeking pastures new, Ravel Morrison ended his West Ham contract early in February 2015, joining Lazio in Italy. Hoping to follow in the footsteps of famous countryman Paul Gascoigne. But after struggling to learn the language and nail down a regular spot in Rome, it was time to move on again.

A January 2017 loan move to QPR included only 5 appearances. Next up came a 2017-2018 season loan from Lazio to Atlas in Mexico. This short, yet successful time showed his mercurial skills with 18 outings and 3 goals. Before a July 2018 return to Lazio’s senior squad.

Yet, this return to Italy failed to work out. So, February 2019 saw a 6-month period at Sweden’s Östersund. Then, in July 2019 a return to English football, signing for Sheffield United. This included a January 2020 time on loan to Middlesbrough. But by the end of the 2020-21 season, Sheffield United had released him.

September 2020 saw a move across to Den Haag in The Netherlands. However, just like previous moves this arrangement ended prematurely in January 2021.

Following that short-lived spell in mainland Europe, Ravel Morrison arrived back in England for 2021-22 at Derby County. A dream start to life in the East Midlands saw Morrison grab a goal in his first game, turning out 38 times across the whole season, scoring 5 times for The Rams.

DERBY, ENGLAND – APRIL 02: Ravel Morrison of Derby County during the Sky Bet Championship match between Derby County and Preston North End at Pride Park Stadium on April 02, 2022 in Derby, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images)

After a single year back home, Ravel Morrison decided on a July 2022 move across the Atlantic to D.C. United in Major League Soccer. This lasted just 14 games and 2 goals between 2022 to 2023.

A September 2024 move to Dubai marked his 14th different club, with Precision FC in the UAE second division.

Manchester United legends Sir Alex Ferguson and Wayne Rooney hailed Morrison as a rare talent.

“My first and lasting memory of Ravel as a young lad was that he [always] got time and space, he’s always available to be on the ball, so unusual for a young lad of his age.”

Sir Alex Ferguson, 2024, Manchester Evening News

“Morrison was among the best prospects at Manchester United…”country mile” better than Paul Pogba.“

In a truly remarkable career, Morrison never spent more than 1 year at any club. Now 32 years old, Morrison came back to England in 2025 for the Professional Footballers’ Association’s pre-season training squad. As he aims to stay fit, will an English club take a chance on the enigmatic midfielder?

With a view to life beyond playing football, Morrison now holds a UEFA B coaching license. He hopes to move into coaching, ideally back where it all started at Manchester United .

Morrison’s career highlights how a lack of discipline can derail even the most talented player. He joins countless other pros with off-field lives that impacted their huge potential. Top-level football demands a single-minded dedication and a slice of luck alongside innate skill.

Although Ravel Morrison’s career looks like squandered potential, his recent forays into UAE football and coaching point to a desire to forge a new path – wherever that may be. No matter what pundits, former United players and fans say, Morrison has carved his own football path – featuring for massive clubs like Manchester United , West Ham, and Lazio.

Other promising young talents like Adnan Januzaj and Freddy Adu never fulfilled their early hype, showing how a football career often doesn’t pan out as expected.