Unemployed ex-Premier League star once worth £8m scores from halfway line vs Man Utd

Former Premier League star Connor Wickham bagged a sensational strike from the halfway line as he searches for a new club. The former Sunderland and Crystal Palace forward struck just seven minutes into the clash between a PFA XI and Manchester United's under-21 side.

Wickham, 32, was the star as a squad of 17 players made the trip to Carrington as they bid to maintain fitness and find their next team. Other Premier League figures such as Cyrus Christie, Rolando Aarons and Kazenga Lua Lua have been involved in training, while a game against Brighton's youth team saw ex-Arsenal forward Tyreece John-Jules and former Chelsea youngster Tariq Uwakwe play.

And it will be Wickham's goal that lives long in the memory for anyone watching. The veteran forward claimed a loose ball after United's youngster's lost possession and touched it into the opposition area before letting go with a considered strike.

Goalkeeper William Murdockwas left scrambling back to his goalline but was unable to prevent the ball hitting the net. The effort was the standout moment of the match but Red Devils teenager Shea Laceydelivered an impressive, curling strike of his own to ensure the game finished level.

Wickham will certainly have widened his reach with his latest strike however as he eyes a move in the football league. The ex-Ipswich Town and Cardiff ace is looking to return to action having went without a club last season.

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Wickham last played for Charlton after impressing during a two-week training period with the club in March 2024. The ex-England youth international scored one goal in four appearances for the Addicks before departing at the end of his short term deal.

Wickham has led a storied career and played for 10 clubs since making his Ipswich debut having just turned 16. Sunderland paid £8million for his services in 2011 in a record fee for the Tractor Boys.

The striker saw a series of loan spells to Sheffield Wednesday as he struggled to make a sustained impact at the Stadium of Light but earned Premier League player of the month honours in April 2014 to help the team avoid relegation. Wickham eventually moved on to Crystal Palace but saw his career grind to a halt after a serious knee injury kept him out of first team action for almost two years.

The striker suffered similar misfortune after moving to Preston following his time at Selhurst Park. Wickham suffered a hamstring injury five minutes into his second appearance for the club and was released months into his deal.

After just days as a free agent, Wickham move to MK Dons on another short term deal but lasted until the end of the season before joining Forest Green Rovers. Despite scoring nine goals in 20 games, Wickham departed at the end of another short-term deal, before short spells with Cardiff and Charlton.

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