Four former Manchester United players are set to take part in a surprise match organised by Ronaldinho at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.
Ronaldinho has an unfortunate connection with Manchester United because of Sir Alex Ferguson’s failed attempts to sign the Brazilian star in 2003.
In hindsight, it worked out in United’s favour because Ferguson went on to sign Cristiano Ronaldo, who would go on to become an even better player than Ronaldinho.
Nicky Butt revealed Ferguson was sure of signing Ronaldinho, but he left Paris Saint-Germain for Barcelona and became Europe’s best player over multiple years.
Anderson and the Da Silva twins after winning the Premier League
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Casemiro is our number one ranked Brazilian to play for Man Utd – Do you agree?
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Man Utd Brazilians ranked
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Ronaldinho to play alongside Man Utd quartet in May
Ronaldinho is renowned for entertaining fans with his showboating, winning the Ballon d’Or, and firing Brazil to World Cup glory in 2002.
Now 46, Ronaldinho is heading to Wearside for a special legends fixture on Monday, 25 May.
Ronaldinho & Friends will take on a UK Icons team led by former Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe.
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Multiple former professionals have been confirmed to feature, including former United quartet Anderson, Kleberson, Rafael da Silva and Fabio da Silva.
Tickets are available via Sunderland’s official ticketing website, with adult prices ranging from £25 and concessions available from £20.
Sunderland will play their final game of the season at the Stadium of Light a day earlier when they host Chelsea in the Premier League.
Ronaldinho never had the opportunity to play in the Premier League, so it comes as a surprise that this match is being held at the Stadium of Light.
What is your verdict on Matheus Cunha’s debut season for Man United?
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Which Brazilian has the most Man Utd appearances?
Kleberson was United’s first Brazilian signing in 2003, but he was deemed a flop after arriving as a World Cup winner.
There have been many different Brazilians to play for United since then, including Casemiro, Antony, Fred and Alex Telles.
Fred has made more appearances for United (213) than any other Brazilian, closely rivalled by Anderson (181) in second.
Casemiro is fourth with 155 appearances. He won’t catch Rafael (170) in the second before leaving Old Trafford at the end of the season.
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