Connor Wickham, who last played for Charlton Athletic, bagged a sensational goal from the halfway line in a match between a PFA XI and Manchester United, as he looks to find a new club
22:18, 03 Sep 2025
Connor Wickham last played for Charlton Athletic
Connor Wickham last played for Charlton Athletic(Image: James Baylis - AMA/Getty Images)
Former Premier League ace Connor Wickham scored a stunning goal from the halfway line as he seeks to secure a new club. The ex-Sunderland and Crystal Palace striker netted just seven minutes into a match between a PFA XI and Manchester United's under-21 side.
32-year-old Wickham was the standout player among a squad of 17 who travelled to Carrington, aiming to keep fit and find their next club. Other notable Premier League figures such as Cyrus Christie, Rolando Aarons and Kazenga Lua Lua have also been involved in training, while a match against Brighton's youth team featured former Arsenal forward Tyreece John-Jules and ex-Chelsea youngster Tariq Uwakwe.
Wickham's goal will undoubtedly be remembered by those who watched the game. The seasoned forward seized a loose ball after United's youngsters lost possession, nudged it into the opposition area and then unleashed a calculated shot.
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Goalkeeper William Murdock scrambled back towards his goal line but couldn't stop the ball from finding the back of the net. Despite this highlight, Red Devils' young talent Shea Lacey managed to score an impressive curling strike, ensuring the match ended in a draw.
Wickham's latest goal will surely have broadened his appeal as he looks for a move within the football league. The former Ipswich Town and Cardiff star is keen to get back into action after spending last season without a club, reports the Mirror.
Wickham last donned the Charlton jersey after a successful two-week training stint with the club in March 2024. The former England youth international netted one goal in four appearances for the Addicks before his short-term contract ended.
Wickham's career has been quite eventful, having played for 10 clubs since making his debut for Ipswich just after his 16th birthday. Sunderland shelled out a record £8million to secure his services in 2011, setting a new benchmark for the Tractor Boys.
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Wickham's goal was a worldie (stock)(Image: GETTY )
Despite struggling to make a consistent impact at the Stadium of Light, Wickham had several loan spells at Sheffield Wednesday and even bagged the Premier League Player of the Month award in April 2014, helping the team dodge relegation.
His journey then took him to Crystal Palace, but a severe knee injury put his career on hold, sidelining him from first-team action for nearly two years.
His bad luck followed him to Preston after his stint at Selhurst Park. Wickham sustained a hamstring injury just five minutes into his second appearance for the club and was let go months into his contract.
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After a brief period as a free agent, Wickham signed another short-term deal with MK Dons, staying until the end of the season before moving to Forest Green Rovers.
Despite netting nine goals in 20 matches, he left at the end of another short-term contract, followed by brief stints with Cardiff and Charlton.