Manchester United have had players from all around the world playing for the club and many have lasted an impression that might never be replicated by anyone. However, there haven’t been many signings for the club from Africa. A total of 11 players have played for the Red Devils in the past having all sorts of performance degrees for the club. Most of the Man Utd African players have had short tenures at the club making their stay not a memorable one, however, some of them also have truly showcased their talents at the Old Trafford making their stay memorable and legendary.
Join us as we take a look at African players for Man Utd over the years and how they have performed based on their goal contributions, premier league statistics, and their individual and team achievements.
Top Man Utd African Players Over the Years
| Rank | Player Name | Appearances |
| 1 | Quinton Fortune | 126 |
| 2 | Eric Baily | 113 |
| 3 | Andre Onana* | 71 |
| 4 | Amad Diallo* | 41 |
| 5 | Odion Ighalo | 23 |
| 6 | Sofyan Amrabat | 30 |
| 7 | Hannibal Mejbri | 13 |
| 8 | Mame Biram Diouf | 9 |
| 9 | Eric Djemba-Djemba | 39 |
| 10 | Manucho | 3 |
| 11 | Wilfried Zaha | 4 |
11. Wilfried Zaha
Wilfried Zaha is probably one of the most controversial African players for Man Utd given his staggering £ 10 million price tag in 2013. Being Alex Ferguson’s last signing, big things were expected from him but constant loan spells with Crystal Palace and Cardiff City saw him getting no time to play for the Red Devils. Having only four appearances for Man Utd, the African was sent back to Crystal Palace as he was never included in the team. Zaha also made several controversial remarks regarding the club’s atmosphere around him and how he has not welcomed the way he should have been leading to his unfortunate exit after only four matches for the club.
10. Manucho
Joining the club at a time when greats like Carloz Tevez, Wayne Rooney, and Cristiano Ronaldo were ruling the English Footballing realm, it was difficult for Manucho to even make any statement. Playing only three matches for Man Utd, the African player didn’t really got much time to showcase his creativity on the pitch and as a result, he was loaned out to Hull City and Panathinaikos before moving to Real Valladolid in 2009. Being one of the most forgettable Man Utd African players, Manucho never reached his full potential during his underwhelming tenure.
9. Eric Djemba-Djemba
Eric Djemba-Djemba was one of the most underwhelming signings for Man Utd in terms of African players. The Cameroonian debuted in the club back in 2003 and was seen as a promising midfielder who might control the play just like Roy Keane. However, everything went downhill for the African right from the start which saw his ultimate departure from the club. Having two goals and three assists in 39 games, Eric had an average career at the club as compared to other Man Utd African players and left the club in 2005.
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8. Mame Biram Diouf
There aren’t many Man Utd African players who have scored on their home debut. Mame Biran Diouf did the unthinkable by scoring on his home debut against Burnley. Despite having good potential, he was never looked at as a team starter in the club which sidelined him for years in reserves. Ultimately, he moved to Stoke City making a staggering 157 appearances for the club in seven seasons. As for Man Utd, Mame wasn’t a heavy African addition and had a forgettable stint at the club.
7. Hannibal Mejbri
Hannibal Mejbri joined the Red Devils in 2019 and scored one goal during his stay with the club. The Tunisian played 13 matches and was also sent on Loan to Birmingham City and Sevilla during his stay with United. The midfielder looked promising at the start of his career at Old Trafford but remained one of the mediocre Man Utd African players ultimately.
6. Sofyan Amrabat
One of the most skilled Man Utd African players, Amrabat delivered a promising start in the 2023 season for the Reds. He delivered impressive performances in his 30-match tenure with United despite not scoring any goal. Amrabat started weak with his initial poor outings but his last three games for the Red Devils showcased huge things for him in the future. Unfortunately, as he picked up pace and was looking solid in the squad, his contract ended.
As things stand, Amrabat currently plays for Fenerbahçe on loan from AC Fiorentina and has two goals under his name in the Super Lig. While there are rumors that Man Utd might resign the African player, it remains to be seen what the future holds for the 28-year-old.
5. Odion Ighalo
The Nigerian forward did a mediocre job while being on loan at Old Trafford in the 2019/20 season. He scored five goals in different cup tournaments even though he was unable to score in the Premier League. Ighalo went on to deliver impressive performances at the FA Cup and Europa League campaigns for the club in 2019/20 season before leaving the club in 2021.
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4. Amad Diallo
One of the most promising African players for Man Utd currently is undoubtedly Amad Diallo. His season has been phenomenal till now and as it stands, Amad looks strong with continuous assists and goals for the club recently. The 22-year-old continues to make a huge impact on the club and as his contract extension seems evident with his impressive performances, it remains to be seen how the youngster develops his path in the club ahead.
Amad aims to strive on the path of Ruben Amorim and looks to showcase his professional abilities on the field which is currently loved by the fans. He has been able to contribute to defense and build-up counterattacks while maintaining his attacking influence. Despite his impressive show on the field, many believe he might be uplifted even more in the future in terms of squad positioning and starting 11s.
3. Andre Onana
Despite having several troll-worthy moments in his 70+ appearances till now, Andre Onana has certified himself as one of the most reliable goalkeepers for the Red Devils. It might not be possible to reach the levels of Van Der Sar or David De Gea, but Onana has managed to make a name for himself in the club given his outstanding distribution skills. The Cameroon international might have a long way to go in the club but as things stand, Onana is one of the perfect standouts for the club.
As the revival of Man Utd continues, this African player seemingly contributes in each match with his bold and courageous show of display. Rising the power rankings each week, Onana might go down as one of the best Goalkeepers for the Red Devils. It will be exciting to see how things shape up for Onana under the management of Ruben Amorim.
2. Eric Baily
Ivorian Eric Baily was one of the most popular players in 2016 after his huge transfer from Villarreal. His aggression and defensive play style made him a standout in the starting 11 for Man Utd. His consistent injuries made him weaker despite his great physical presence and strength. After spending seven mediocre seasons at the club, Baily moved to Marseille and currently plays for Villarreal. Having a Europa League crown under his name, injuries might have stopped him from reaching his full potential.
After making 113 appearances for Man Utd, the African displayed intense physical capabilities and defensive prowess, which were instantly liked by the Reds. His dominant defensive play kept him in the starting XI for most of his career.
1. Quinton Fortune
Being at the top of the list, Quinton Fortune has been the most successful African signing for Man Utd over the years. Spending seven years at the club, Fortune made 126 appearances for the club having three Premier League titles under his name. He also grabbed the winner’s medal for the season 2002-03 showcasing his exceptional skills on the pitch. He was one of the most dependable players on the field for the Red Devils playing as a central midfielder, winger, and, in the end, full-back. Having ten goals under his name, Fortune is one of the most versatile African players to play for Man Utd over the years.
There is no doubt in saying that Quinton was the best African signing for Man Utd given his impressive array of achievements. He did return to Old Trafford in 2013 as a part of coaching management after leaving the club in 2006. Quinton remains to be one of the all-time greats and is still remembered and celebrated by several Man Utd fans around the world.
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