Man United cult figure set for shock career switch six years after retiring

Former Manchester United and Uruguay striker Diego Forlan is preparing for a new chapter in his sporting career as a professional tennis player.

The 45-year-old football icon is set to make his debut in the doubles category at the Uruguay Open, an ATP Challenger event taking place in Montevideo from November 11-17.

Forlan will team up with Argentina’s Federico Coria, currently ranked 101 in ATP singles.

He joins a host of athletes who have switched professional sports. Basketball icon Michael Jordan famously took a hiatus to play baseball.

Former Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech also played ice hockey after hanging up his boots.

Man United fan Usain Bolt tried playing professional football after retiring from athletics. He had trials with Borussia Dortmund and Central Coast Mariners but was not offered a professional contract.

Since retiring from professional football in 2018, Forlan has taken to the international senior tour, honing his tennis skills ahead of this exciting competition.

Forlan made 97 appearances for Man United between 2002 and 2004 and is fondly remembered by fans despite a less-than-stellar scoring record of just 17 goals.

His move to United was met with high expectations following a £10 million transfer from Independiente.

Unfortunately, he was overshadowed by Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, ultimately leading to his departure to Villarreal.

Despite the challenges he faced at Old Trafford, Forlan remains a cult figure among United supporters. His memorable brace against Liverpool at Anfield in December 2003 continues to resonate.