Where are they now? Manchester United team that won the Club World Cup in 2008
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Manchester United 2008 team || Credit: Imago

Where are they now? Manchester United team that won the Club World Cup in 2008

Stephen Oladehinde 18:56 - 20.12.2023

The 2008 Manchester United team, renowned for winning the Club World Cup, was a constellation of football stars whose careers took diverse paths following their victory.

We take a look at the lives and careers of these iconic players, from their triumphs at Old Trafford to their varied journeys post-Manchester United.

 From Edwin van der Sar's executive role at Ajax to Wayne Rooney's venture into the MLS, each player has carved a unique legacy beyond the hallowed turf of their 2008 triumph.

Edwin van der Sar: 

Post-retirement from Manchester United in 2011, van der Sar embarked on a career in football management and administration. He notably served as the Marketing Director at Ajax and eventually became the CEO of the club.

Edwin Van Der Sar || Credit: Imago
Edwin Van Der Sar || Credit: Imago

Wes Brown: 

After leaving Manchester United, Brown had stints with Sunderland and Blackburn Rovers, before moving abroad to play for the Indian Super League side Kerala Blasters.

Wes Brown || Credit: Imago
Wes Brown || Credit: Imago

Rio Ferdinand: 

Ferdinand retired in 2014 and transitioned into a career as a football pundit. He also briefly pursued boxing as part of the 'Defender to Contender' project.

Rio Ferdinand | Credit: Imago
Rio Ferdinand | Credit: Imago

Nemanja Vidic: 

Vidic retired from professional football in 2016 and has expressed interest in pursuing a managerial career, completing his UEFA Pro Licence course.

Nemanja Vidic || Credit: Imago
Nemanja Vidic || Credit: Imago

Patrice Evra: 

Following his time at Manchester United, Evra played for clubs like Juventus and Marseille, and ended his playing career at West Ham United.

Patrice Evra || Credit: Imago
Patrice Evra || Credit: Imago

Owen Hargreaves: 

Plagued by injuries, Hargreaves retired and shifted to a career in media, working as a television pundit for BT Sport.

Owen Hargreaves || Credit: Imago
Owen Hargreaves || Credit: Imago

Paul Scholes:

 Scholes, who retired in 2013, is actively involved in football punditry and is a co-owner of Salford City.

Paul Scholes || Credit: Imago
Paul Scholes || Credit: Imago

Michael Carrick: 

After retiring in 2018, Carrick joined the coaching staff at Manchester United, working under José Mourinho.

Michael Carrick: Imago
Michael Carrick: Imago

Carlos Tevez: 

Tevez had a varied career post-Manchester United, playing for clubs like Manchester City, Juventus, and Boca Juniors.

Carlos Tevez || Credit: Imago
Carlos Tevez || Credit: Imago

Cristiano Ronaldo:

 Ronaldo's career soared post-Manchester United, with successful spells at Real Madrid and Juventus.

Cristiano Ronaldo || Photo Credit: Al Nassr/X
Cristiano Ronaldo || Photo Credit: Al Nassr/X

Wayne Rooney: 

Post-Manchester United, Rooney returned to Everton, then moved to MLS to play for D.C. United.

Wayne Rooney || Imago
Wayne Rooney || Imago