Manchester United were once a dominant force under Sir Alex Ferguson, winning trophies galore as they became the biggest superpower in the land. And some who played under the Scot are still going in 2023. Express Sport now takes a look at five stars who are yet to hang up their boots.
Federico Macheda
There came a time where Federico Macheda was viewed as United’s future after moving from Lazio in 2007.
Back in 2009, the forward burst onto the scene at the age of 17 by notching a sensational winner against Aston Villa – before then bagging another key goal in a victory over Sunderland.
Unfortunately for United, however, Macheda failed to make the grade.
These days, the 31-year-old plays as a striker for Cypriot side APOEL – having joined the club on loan from Turkish Super Lig side MKE Ankaragucu.
Macheda has scored two goals from eight appearances during his spell in the country and has previously turned out for the likes of Sampdoria, QPR, Stuttgart, Doncaster Rovers, Birmingham, Cardiff, Nottingham Forest, Novara and Panathinaikos during his career.
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Bebe
Bebe joined United back in the summer transfer window of 2011.
But he would end up being a big dud at Old Trafford, having not been watched by Ferguson prior to his arrival.
Despite that, however, the Portuguese footballer has previously insisted he learnt a lot during his time in Manchester – and is still going strong for Real Zaragoza, on loan from Rayo Vallecano.
“Ferguson told me that he saw me as a talented boy and that he felt he could turn me into a great player,” Bebe told the Daily Mail . “He immediately tried to work out my temperament and encourage me.
“I was asking Ferguson if I could play.
“He told me to keep calm, that I was very young and that opportunities would arrive. I still learned a lot in training from him. I was developing tactically.”
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Mame Biram Diouf
Mame Biram Diouf moved to Old Trafford back in 2009, with few having heard of the Senegal international.
And he’s still playing football at the age of 35 as he enters the twilight years of his career.
Diouf is currently strutting his stuff at Konyaspor in Turkey – and he’s actually been pretty impressive this season.
The veteran striker has bagged eight goals and clocked up two assists from 19 Turkish Super Lig appearances.
During his time in England, he also turned out for the likes of Stoke and Blackburn Rovers.
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Zoran Tosic
Big things were expected of Zoran Tosic when he joined United in 2009.
Some believed he could be the Serbian version of Cristiano Ronaldo, who left the club for Real Madrid that same year.
Tosic failed to make the grade, however, and has had spells in Germany, Russia, Serbia, China and Kazakhstan over the years.
At present, the 35-year-old is playing for Greek side Lamia.
He has made just one appearance so far this season.
Nani
Arguably the best signing on this list is Nani.
The Portugal international would sometimes struggle to emerge from Ronaldo’s shadow – but still became a cult hero in his own right.
Nani won four league titles with the Red Devils before being offloaded by Louis van Gaal, having failed to impress the Dutchman.
He’s had periods in Portugal, Turkey, Spain, Italy, America and Australia since departing.
Nani is currently playing for Melbourne Victory, with the 36-year-old registering one assist so far this term from 10 appearances.
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