Some even signed, but issues with their work permits prevented them from making their first-team debuts.
One person who comes to mind is Adem Ljajic, whose 2009 transfer from Partizan was abandoned.
Rewinding even farther, Jovan Kirovski also witnessed red tape problems after moving to Old Trafford.
Not many people would even recall Kirovski’s affiliation with United, although he signed up in 1992 when he was just
16 years old.
Even though Kirovski performed well in the United reserve squad, he was never allowed to start for the first team at
Old Trafford.
Due to work visa concerns, United permitted Kirovski, then barely 20 years old, to sign for Borussia Dortmund in
1996.
Before moving to Sporting in 2000, Kirovski assisted Dortmund in winning the Champions League.
After playing for Crystal Palace and Birmingham City in English football from 2001 to 2004, the American
eventually made his Major League Soccer debut with the Los Angeles Galaxy, Colorado Rapids, San Jose
Earthquakes, and LA Galaxy once more.
Although Kirovski’s record implies he wouldn’t have made the cut at United anyhow, he did manage to carve himself
a respectable career as a forward with 62 caps for the United States.
Kirovski has remained involved in football since hanging up his boots in 2011; in 2013, he was appointed technical
director of the LA Galaxy.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic joined LA Galaxy in 2018 thanks in large part to Kirovski, who also mentioned that his time at
United helped him establish connections with prospective players.
Kirovski and Ibrahimovic, the former United teammates, appear to be getting back together.
According to Fabrizio Romano, negotiations are underway for AC Milan to appoint Kirovski to the board, potentially
as a director of football.
Ibrahimovic appears to be acquiring significant influence at San Siro and is presently serving as an advisor to the
Milan ownership.
Given their past together, Ibrahimovic is undoubtedly picking Kirovski, and the American may soon play a
significant part for one of the top clubs in Italy.
The former United prodigy has come a long way, but he hasn’t allowed his bad time at Old Trafford stop him from
having a successful lengthy career in the game, on and off the field.
