Odion Ighalo is set to make history as the first Nigerian to play for Manchester United, joining a legacy of African players at the club that began in 1999. The 30-year-old striker has joined on a loan deal from Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua, set to remain with the club until the end of the season.
Quinton Fortune: First African to Play for United ¶
South African midfielder Quinton Fortune made history in 1999 as the first African to play for Manchester United. He joined for £1.5 million from Atletico Madrid and made 126 appearances, scoring 11 goals, before moving to Bolton Wanderers in 2006. Fortune represented South Africa in the 1998 and 2002 World Cups before retiring in 2010.
Eric Djemba-Djemba: Cameroonian Midfielder's 2004/05 Spell ¶
Cameroon's Eric Djemba-Djemba played 39 games for United from 2003 to 2005, scoring two goals. He was sold to Aston Villa in January 2005 and later played in leagues across Europe and the Middle East. Now 38, he continues his career in Swiss amateur football.
Manucho: Angola's Short-Lived Tenure ¶
Angolan forward Manucho signed in 2008 but made only three appearances for United, failing to score. He was loaned to Hull City and later played in Spain before retiring in 2020 after a stint with UE Cornellà.
Mame Biram Diouf: Senegalese Striker's 2014 Move ¶
Senegal's Mame Biram Diouf joined in 2009 after a prolific spell with Molde, scoring 45 goals in 86 games. He managed just one goal in nine United appearances before being sold to Hannover in 2012. He later joined Stoke City, where he scored 35 times in 71 games before moving in 2014.
Wilfried Zaha: Ivory Coast Winger's 2015 Return ¶
Ivory Coast's Wilfried Zaha signed in 2013 but made only four appearances for United. He was loaned to Cardiff City and later returned to Crystal Palace in 2015, where he established himself as a key player.
Eric Bailly: Ivory Coast Defender's Injury-Plagued Career ¶
Ivory Coast defender Eric Bailly joined for £30 million in 2016 but has struggled with injuries. He remains one of the few African players on United's roster, alongside Ighalo, as of 2020.
