‘I outshone Didier Drogba and signed for Manchester United after a three-week trial’

Angolan striker Manucho signed for Manchester United after a successful three-week trial in 2008, having impressed assistant manager Carlos Queiroz and Sir Alex Ferguson. He subsequently outscored stars like Didier Drogba at the Africa Cup of Nations, netting four goals and earning a place in the tournament's best XI.

Despite the early promise, work-permit delays, injuries, and fierce attacking competition restricted Manucho to just three substitute appearances totaling 42 minutes for United. Following loans at Panathinaikos and Hull City, he departed permanently for Real Valladolid in 2009.