By Chris O'Brien
July 22 2004

Manchester United midfielder Michael Stewart has been sent back to Old Trafford by Glasgow Rangers boss Alex McLeish. The Scotsman has been enjoying a trial with the Bears, but the Ibrox club have told the 23-year-old they do not wish to sign him.

Manchester United midfielder Michael Stewart has been told there is no place for him at Ibrox. The Scotsman has been on trial with Glasgow Rangers and it appeared likely he would make a permanent move to the Scottish giants, but he has now been sent home to Old Trafford where he is likely to continue his search for a new club.

Reports had suggested that Stewart was set to negotiate a pay-off from his Manchester United contract so he could join Rangers on a free-transfer, but Bears boss Alex McLeish has told the out-of-favour player that he would be surplus to requirements with the Old Firm club.

"We are not going to pursue Michael Stewart. He has performed well and technically we feel he is a very good player but he is too similar to what we have." said the Rangers boss.

The 23-year-old spent a bitterly disappointing loan spell with Nottingham Forest last season, where he failed to make any sort of impact. Rangers decided to take Stewart on trial where he enjoyed several training sessions with the club, but they have now informed him they do not wish to follow up the move with a contract offer.

The Scottish international still has 2-years to run on his contract with United, but Sir Alex Ferguson would have no qualms about letting the player leave on a free transfer. A host of First Division clubs are said to be monitoring the situation, so there is thought to be a lot of interest in the midfielder from other sources.