Former Man Utd stars you won’t believe are still playing in 2024, from Colombian legend to a PSG icon and fan favourite

2 months ago 21

THEY used to grace the pitch at Old Trafford many years ago – and they’re still playing today.

These former Manchester United stars just refuse to retire.

 Edinson Cavani of Manchester United celebrates after the Premier League match between Manchester United and West Ham United at Old Trafford on January 22, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)Edinson Cavani played for Man Utd between 2020-2022
a soccer player wearing a betsson jersey holds a soccer ballAFP
Uruguay legend Cavani now turns out for Boca Juniors in Argentina aged 37[/caption]

Many played under Sir Alex Ferguson, including one who signed for the Red Devils all the way back in 2007.

While another South American legend is still a top scorer in the Argentina league for Boca Juniors.

SunSport has uncovered nine former stars we just can’t believe are still lacing up their boots.

Edinson Cavani

The Uruguay legend is now 37, but he’s still going strong.

Cavani currently turns out for Argie giants Boca Juniors, where the goals continue to flow.

In 2024, he managed 17 goals in 26 games for the club.

At United, from 2020 to 2022, he scored 19 in 59.

Radamel Falcao

Another South American legend, Falcao is now 38.

However, that hasn’t stopped him from returning to his homeland to represent top tier side, Millonarios.

Incredibly, he was playing in LaLiga last campaign for Raya Vallecano.

The goals, though, have appeared to dry up – with just five in his last two seasons.

He only managed four in 29 games for Utd though, to be fair.

a soccer player wearing a red chevrolet jerseyPA:Empics Sport
Radamel Falcao didn’t have his best years at Old Trafford[/caption]
a soccer player with the number 23 on his jerseyGetty
Now, at 38, Falcao stars for Colombian side Millonarios[/caption]

Javier Hernandez

Chicharito, as he was affectionately known, was a Sir Alex signing in 2010.

Unbelievably, he’s only 36 – we were convinced he was older than that.

As is with heroes of this nature, a return to their homeland is a required expectation.

Hernandez, who scored 59 across six seasons at United, now plays for Chivas in Mexico’s top division.

The Little Pea is yet to find the back of the net this season, though.

a man in a red aon jersey celebrates a goalChicharito was a fans’ favourite at Man Utd – scoring 59 goals for the clubNews Group Newspapers Ltd
a soccer player wearing a red and white striped jersey with caliente.mx on itGetty
With slightly less hair, Javier Hernandez plays for Chivas aged 36[/caption]

Fabio

Although his twin brother Rafael hung up his boots following a series of serious injuries, Fabio is still going strong.

The Brazilian, now only 34, stars back home for Gremio.

He was signed by United all the way back in 2007, but struggled to hold down a place in the first team before spells with QPR, Cardiff and Middlesbrough.

Before returning to Brazil, Fabio was an important player for Nantes in France.

a man in a red aon jersey runs with the ballFabio was signed by Man Utd all the way back in 2007News Group Newspapers Ltd
a soccer player kicking a ball with a shirt that says ' kaorisui ' on itToday, his defensive skills are required at Gremio in his homelandGetty

Nani

Another 2007 signing by Fergie, Nani has had an amazing career.

Not only did he play on our shores, he’s had spells at clubs in Turkey, Spain, Italy, USA and Australia.

Now 37, he’s put in his air miles and is playing in Portugal for Estrela Amadora.

They play in Portugal’s top division, with Nani scoring once this season already in just four games.

He also recently bought a fourth division team in his homeland and is also the godfather of one of England’s newest heroes.

a man in a red aon jersey celebrates a goalGetty
Nani’s goalscoring celebrations were seen at Old Trafford from the Noughties[/caption]
MANCHESTER UNITED V BAYERN MUNICH, CHAMPIONS LEAGUE, QUATER FINAL 2ND LEG. ...
7TH APRIL 2010...
PICTURE BY MARK ROBINSON.
Manchester United's Nani celebrates after scoring their 3rd goal.  3-0.Nani loved to celebrate in style with a somersault, including against Bayern Munich in 2007
 New signing Luis Nani of CF Estrela da Amadora celebrates after scoring a goal during the Liga Portugal Betclic match between CF Estrela da Amadora and Boavista FC at Estadio Jose Gomes on September 16, 2024 in Amadora, Portugal.  (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)Nani recently scored for CF Estrela da Amadora against Boavista

Adnan Januzaj

How is Januzaj only 29?

The winger from Belgium exploded on to the scene under David Moyes when he was just 18.

He left Old Trafford in 2017 following loans at Dortmund and Sunderland, enjoying his best years at Real Sociedad between 2017-2022 – scoring 23 times in 168 games.

Januzaj is currently on loan at Las Palmas, and is owned by Sevilla.

a soccer player in a red jersey with the word chevrolet on itPA:Press Association
Adnan Januzaj was deemed a wonderkid at Old Trafford[/caption]
 Photo by Ricardo Larreina/REX/Shutterstock (14732482ai) Adnan Januzaj of UD Las Palmas looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between CA Osasuna and UD Las Palmas at El Sadar on September 21, 2024, in Pamplona, Spain. CA Osasuna v U.D. Las Palmas - La Liga EA Sports, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain - 21 Sep 2024Januzaj is playing on loan at Las Palmas this season

Shinji Kagawa

Some 35 years old and still going strong, Kagawa plays in Japan for J1 League club Cerezo Osaka.

Widely regarded as one of the best Asian players of his generation, he flattered to deceive at Man Utd between 2012-2014.

However, it was at Borussia Dortmund where he was a true hero – enjoying two spells with the German giants.

Kagawa also played for Turkish side Besiktas, Real Zaragoza in Spain, PAOK in Greece, and Sint-Truiden in Belgium.

 Shinji Kagawa of Manchester United in action during the pre-season friendly match between Manchester United and Real Madrid at Michigan Stadium on August 2, 2014 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Matthew Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images)Shinji Kagawa never did hit the heights expected of him in Manchester
 Shinji Kagawa of Cerezo Osaka looks on during the J.LEAGUE MEIJI YASUDA J1 28th Sec. match between Yokohama F•Marinos and Cerezo Osaka at National Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Masashi Hara/Getty Images)Japan icon Kagawa is still going strong at the age of 35

Nemanja Matic

Considering pace was never a major part of his game, Matic still paying, at 36, is probably more believable than some on this list.

The former Chelsea man’s employers are Lyon, where he is seen as an important first team player.

Matic played 189 times for United from 2017-2022.

He was a favourite of Jose Mourinho, who signed him for both United and Chelsea.

a man wearing a chevrolet jersey is running on the fieldNemanja Matic was a favourite of Jose Mourinho, who signed him for Utd and ChelseaGetty
a soccer player wearing a jersey that says emirates fly betterProving age is just a number, Matic is now a first team player at Lyon aged 36Rex

Juan Mata

Speaking of Mourinho, Spanish winger Juan Mata was sold to United in 2014 after falling out of favour with the Special One.

He starred at United until 2022, reuniting with his former Portuguese manager at the club in 2016.

Mata, who gives some of his salary away to a charity he co-founded called Common Goal, has since played in Turkey and Japan in a distinguished career.

Today, at 36, he was most recently unveiled by Aussie side Western Sydney Wanderers.

a soccer player with the number 8 on his jerseyTimes Newspapers Ltd
Juan Mata starred at Man Utd until 2022[/caption]
a man holds up a red jersey with the name mata on itAFP
Back in September, Western Sydney Wanderers unveiled Mata as their latest signing[/caption]
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