We select the last two players for the Readers’ Choice Worst XI at www.manunited.uk
After completing the process of selecting the goalkeeper, the defence, and midfield, the strikers remain. While United have players like Rooney, Nistelrooy, Yorke, Cole, Law, and others there have been players like Dong Fangzhou, Bebe, and Manucho
DONG FANGZHOU
United’s first ever Chinese player. Signed as a market strategy to increase the club’s position and value in China, Fangzhou never showed why he deserved to be United player. A lack of work permit and other legal issues meant that Fangzhou was loaned out immediately after his arrival. He made his unofficial debut for United in Hong Kong scoring in a 2-0 win. But he was sent out on loan once again. This time it was a successful spell as he emerged as his side’s and the league’s top scorer in the Belgian Second Division. Fangzhou was eventually handed his permit more than 3 years after officially signing. He was sparsely used by United. One of the highlights of his time at United was scoring in the Champions League but it was as good as it got. Denied a squad number in 2008-09, Fangzhou and United mutually agreed to terminate his contract.
BEBE
An iconic signing but for the wrong reasons. Ferguson later claimed that he was the only player he had ever signed before actually watching the player play. United splashed over £7.4m for the untried Portuguese. Having decided to send him out on loan, Bebe made the Champions League squad and made his debut for United in the League Cup. He scored in his first start against Wolves in the League Cup fourth round. Bebe was limited to Cup competitions and barring the odd bright spot, rarely made an impact. For the following season, a series of loans at clubs like Besiktas, Rio Ave, and Pacos de Ferreira before signing for Benfica permanently. He was a huge disappointment and Ferguson later lamented splashing the cash he did for Bebe in his autobiographies.
DAVID BELLION
Another disastrous signing for United. Signed for £2m from the Black Cats where he scored just 1 goal in 20 matches, Bellion was no better at Old Trafford as he racked up a measly 4 goals in 24 matches. Ferguson took a big risk when he signed Bellion and would surely have regretted making the dip for Bellion.
MANUCHO
Signed in 2008, Manucho went on to make a solitary league appearance for United before leaving the following summer. He signed after impressing Sir Alex in a three week trial at the club. Manucho’s only goal in United Red was against Everton in a 1-1 draw in the Reserve League North. He left on loan to Hull before permanently leaving for Real Valladolid.
MAME BIRAM DIOUF
Signed in 2009 by Sir Alex, Diouf claimed that he would have a HUGE impact at United but he scored just one goal in 9 matches. Handed the No. 32 jersey previously worn by Tevez, Diouf barely had an impact at United. Diouf’s celebration after his first goal is still remembered by United fans but it was all downhill after that. A Loan spell at Blackburn followed before he was permanently sold to Hannover 96.