Former Manchester United defender Eric Bailly has moved to the MLS after signing for Columbus Crew.
Since leaving Manchester United in 2023 and signing for Besiktas on a free transfer, Eric Bailly has also played for Villarreal and Oviedo in Spain.
After just one season at Oviedo, Bailly has moved to the United States, where he will play for Columbus Crew.
Bailly joins a list of United players who have now signed for an MLS club. Let’s take a look at the full list of players who paved the way, including one player who is on the verge of signing for Inter Miami.
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Manchester United’s growing connection with the MLS
Many high-profile players have crossed the Atlantic to play in the MLS, but this list also includes a player who began his career in the United States before moving to United.
Here’s a list of players who have played for United and at least one MLS club.
David Beckham: After winning six Premier League titles with United, as well as the Treble in 1999, David Beckham moved from Real Madrid to LA Galaxy in 2007. He now owns MLS franchise Inter Miami.
Tim Howard: United signed from USMNT goalkeeper Tim Howard from MetroStars (now New York Red Bulls) in 2003. Later in his career, the US stopper returned to MLS to play for Colorado Rapids between 2016 and 2019.
Kleberson: After becoming the first Brazilian to sign for United, Kleberson flopped at Old Trafford. He then returned to Brazil to revitalise his career before signing on loan with Philadelphia Union.
Jonathan Spector: The US-born defender joined United’s academy in 2003 from Chicago Fire before making three senior appearances under Sir Alex Ferguson. Jonathan Spector returned to his home country to play for Orlando City in 2017, though he returned to Europe two years later, signing for Hibernian.
Wayne Rooney: United’s all-time leading goalscorer spent a season at DC United in 2018/19, but Wayne Rooney would return in 2022 as head coach.
Giuseppe Rossi: Arriving at United as a highly-rated 17-year-old, Giuseppe Rossi found first-team opportunities limited due to competing with top strikers such as Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rooney. Later in his career, the former Italy international signed for Real Salt Lake in the MLS.
Nani: The Portuguese winger, who spent more than 11 years at United, joined Orlando City in the latter years of his playing career and served as club captain. Nani was a star player at Orlando City.
Mikael Silvestre: After winning five Premier League titles at United, Mikael Silvestre spent a short period at Portland Timbers before hanging up his boots in India.
Javier Hernandez: A fan favourite at Old Trafford, Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez led the line for LA Galaxy between 2020 and 2023.
Ravel Morrison: Despite being one of the most naturally gifted players to come through United’s academy, off-field issues prevented Ravel Morrison from making it at United. He became a journeyman, and Rooney signed him at DC United.
Alexander Buttner: United needed cover for Patrice Evra at left-back when Alexander Buttner was signed from Vitesse Arnhem. The Dutch full-back scored on his debut against Wigan, but he left in 2014 in search of regular football. Following spells in Russia, Belgium, and a return to the Netherlands, Buttner signed for MLS outfit New England Revolution.
Bastian Schweinsteiger: The World Cup winner moved directly from United to Chicago Fire in 2017.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic: After United decided to terminate Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s contract, the iconic Swede signed for LA Galaxy. He announced his arrival by taking out a full-page advertisement in the Los Angeles Times that read, “Dear Los Angeles, you’re welcome.” Ibrahimovic went on to score 53 goals in 58 appearances, on top of 15 assists.
Casemiro: Casemiro joined United from Real Madrid in the summer of 2022 as one of the best defensive midfielders of his generation. The Brazilian is expected to sign for Inter Miami this week; therefore, he warrants an early mention in this list.
- 🏆 MAN UTD PLAYERS ENJOYING MLS SUCCESS
- David Beckham won back-to-back MLS Cups
- Zlatan Ibrahimovic was named in the MLS Best XI twice
- Wayne Rooney featured in the MLS Best XI in 2018
- Nani was named an MLS All-Star in consecutive seasons
Will Casemiro’s comments on Manchester United inspire other top players to follow? What is your response to his statement?
Other notable mentions include George Best
Phil Neville and Gabriel Heinze both spent time in the MLS, albeit in coaching roles (Neville at Inter Miami and Portland Timbers; Heinze at Atlanta United).
Liam Miller also spent part of his later career in the US, but he represented Wilmington Hammerheads in the USL rather than the MLS.
George Best also took his playing career to the US long before the MLS’s first season in 1996. Instead, the former Northern Ireland international played in the North American Soccer League during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The Belfast Boy, as he was affectionately known by many, played for three clubs during his time in the US: Los Angeles Aztecs (1976-1978), Fort Lauderdale Strikers (1978-1979), San Jose Earthquakes (1980-1981).
Other United players to play in the US include Brian Kidd, Gerry Daly, Gordon Hill, Stuart Pearson, Roger Davies, James Brown, and Edward McIlvenny.
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