Jump directly to the content

Diego Forlan's time at Manchester United was not exactly memorable, but no-one will ever forget his goal celebration against Southampton.

The Uruguayan moved to Old Trafford from Argentinian side Independiente in January 2002, with the Red Devils beating Middlesbrough to secure his signature.

Man United sign Diego Forlan in 2002
3
Forlan was fond of a topless celebration when playing for United

However, the goalscoring exploits that made Forlan so desirable quickly deserted him in the Premier League.

In fact, the striker was unable to find the back of the net in his opening 23 top-flight games under Sir Alex Ferguson.

He eventually ended his drought in October 2002 when he scored an equaliser against Aston Villa, where he proceeded to whip his top off.

Luckily, Forlan only had to wait a week for his second league goal.

READ MORE ON MAN UNITED

But it was what happened after he scored that made his strike unforgettable.

Against Southampton, Forlan was injected into the contest in the 79th minute with the scores locked at 1-1.

Six minutes later, Forlan had made it 2-1 when he unleashed a thunderbolt from outside the box that powered into the back of the net.

And just as he did against the Villans, Forlan immediately wheeled away in jubilation and took his shirt off before running to celebrate with the crowd.

But by the time the match had resumed, many were left scratching their heads as a topless player sprinted around the turf.

The man in question was, of course, Forlan, who was somehow unable to pop his shirt back on once the game had restarted after his goal.

Forlan's celebration against Southampton backfired as he was unable to put it back on
3
Forlan's celebration against Southampton backfired as he was unable to put it back onCredit: X/ManUtd
He eventually managed to get it back on with the help of United staff members
3
He eventually managed to get it back on with the help of United staff membersCredit: X/ManUtd

However, it did not stop Forlan from hunting the ball down like a man possessed.

Holding his jersey with his left hand, Forlan sprinted back and nicked the ball off of Saints striker James Beattie, passing it back to Red Devils goalkeeper Fabian Barthez to raucous applause from the Old Trafford faithful.

He subsquently ran to the touchline, where with the help of three United staff members, he finally managed to get it back on.

And just two months later, he cemented his place as a United cult hero after scoring twice within a three-minute spell away at rivals Liverpool in a 2-1 victory.

But in truth, Forlan struggled during his stay in England, with his celebration against Southampton - and quickfire double at Anfield - two of his most memorable contributions.

In total, he made 98 appearances for the Red Devils in all competitions - scoring just 17 goals - before he moved to Villarreal for £2million in 2004.

Forlan would go on to enjoy improved goalscoring fortunes with Villarreal and later at Atletico Madrid.

The 45-year-old had further stops at Inter Milan, Internacional, Cerezo Osaka, Penarol, Mumbai City and Kitchee until his retirement in 2019.

JOIN THE DUGOUT

Have your say on all things talkSPORT by joining – our new listener panel.

We're all about diving deep into your perspectives, and making sure talkSPORT is the absolute best it can be. Your voice matters, and we want to hear it!

Pitch your game-changing ideas, and join in with fun surveys, polls, and locker-room discussions.

Just by joining, you'll enter a prize draw to win one of four £50 Amazon vouchers, with another prize draw entry for every survey you complete after that

To join the ‘The DUGOUT’ panel, please

Topics
cricket exchange