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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
