'To play at Old Trafford and score was amazing': Jakobsen reflects on his footballing journey

A case of mistaken identity with Hyundai A-League stalwart Michael Beauchamp threatened to ruin Michael Jakobsen’s dream Champions League match up with Manchester United 10 years ago.

The central defensive pair were playing for Danish club Aalborg in their opening group match of the 2008/2009 Champions League against Celtic in September when Beauchamp incorrectly received a red card for a foul on Georgios Samaras that Jakobsen had committed.

WATCH FOR FREE: How to watch the Hyundai A-League LIVE and FREE
PREVIEW: Adelaide United v Melbourne Victory
MUSCAT'S PRAISE: 'Toivonen brings confidence to those around him'
BACCUS' DESIRE: City recruit eyeing silverware after securing permanent contract

As it was, Beauchamp’s dismissal was rescinded and correctly handed to the then-22-year-old Jakobsen, who would consequently miss Aalborg’s home tie with the English giants.

But the former Denmark U-17 Player of the Year redeemed himself in style in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford that December.

“The club I’ve always followed was Manchester United. I was cooking,” Jakobsen told www.a-league.com.au.

“I could play the other one at Old Trafford, I scored a goal it was an amazing feeling to be on that stage and score and we got a brilliant result, we drew 2-2.

“We got a brilliant result, it’s always fun to remember that stuff.”

Aalborg’s draw in Manchester was not enough for the Danish powerhouse to seal passage to the qualification.

But it was just the beginning for Jakobsen, who would go on to play international football, making five appearances for the Danish national team.

It was a highlight of his career that has seen him play against some of Europe’s best-attacking stars.

“I played against Ronaldo. Him and Alexis Sanchez are amazing footballers,” Jakobsen explained.

“I had a very hard time in a friendly match for Denmark against Chile when I played against Alexis Sanchez…that was not fun.

“He was right winger and I was playing left-back. He was so quick and I’m not the quickest defender…it was a nightmare.”

But his move Down Under has been anything but a nightmare, with Jakobsen enjoying a couple of successful seasons at Melbourne City – where he won an FFA Cup – before joining the Reds at the start of the 2018/19 Season.

And the 33-year-old has already helped deliver some silverware to Adelaide United, playing a key role in the club’s FFA Cup triumph last year.

Hear more from Jakobsen’s EXCLUSIVE chat with www.a-league.com.au in the video player above.