There is, however, a tradition of African footballers stretching back at Old Trafford for over two decades, with six men from the continent featuring for the club since 1999.

Find out more about each of that half-dozen below...

QUINTON FORTUNE

Nationality: South Africa

Appearances: 126

Goals: 11

Our first African player, Fortune joined from Atletico Madrid in August 1999, making his Reds debut in a 5-1 win over Newcastle United later that month. Able to be deployed at full-back or in midfield, Fortune was initially used sparingly by Sir Alex Ferguson but became a valuable squad member during his seven-year spell at Old Trafford, helping the Reds to league titles in 2000, 2001 and 2003. Memorable individual moments included a brace against South Melbourne in the 2000 Club World Championship, and two goals in a 6-0 home hammering of Bradford City. Quinton, who featured for his country at the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, left United in 2006 but is now back at the club, as assistant coach for the Under-23s.