Former Premier League forward Connor Wickham showcased his ability by scoring from the halfway line in a match against Manchester United’s Under-21 side.
Wickham is among a squad of free agents who have been part of a pre-season camp held by the Professional Footballers’ Association to help them win contracts with new clubs.
The 32-year-old has been out of the game for over a year, since a short-term contract with Charlton expired in May 2024.
Wickham was named in the starting line-up for the PFA team as they faced Man United’s Under-21 side at Carrington on Wednesday, with the forward catching the eye with a stunning strike.
He was quick to react when Man United’s Jim Thwaites was dispossessed just inside the PFA half.
Wickham took one touch as he turned, before taking aim with a shot from the halfway line.
Ex-Premier League striker Connor Wickham scored from the halfway line against Man United Under-21s
Wickham, who is part of a PFA squad seeking to earn contracts, deceived Man United’s goalkeeper
His spectacular attempt deceived Man United goalkeeper Will Murdock, who was unable to prevent the effort from finding the back of the net.
Wickham had earlier this week told the Telegraph that the match being streamed offered a ‘great platform’ to be spotted by managers and scouts, with the fixtures letting them know he is available.
‘That fire has never left me,’ said Wickham, who has also trained with League Two side Bromley in pre-season.
‘My gut says ‘just don’t stop’. I don’t think the game has left me, it hasn’t left my heart.
‘I’m still itching to get going and play again, not to prove anybody wrong, not to shut anybody up, just for myself.
‘I feel like I’ve still got a lot to give so that’s why I’m here. Hopefully this exposure through these last couple of weeks will pay off.’
It gets your face out there in the games they put on that are streamed. It’s a great platform to get in front of managers and scouts.’
Wickham joined Sunderland in a £12m move aged 18 and has made 120 top flight appearances
He last featured in the Premier League in the 2020-21 season and has had spells at EFL clubs
Wickham had initially risen to fame as teenager at Ipswich, with his performances securing him a £12million move to Sunderland as an 18-year-old.
He made 120 appearances in the Premier League at Sunderland and Crystal Palace, who he joined for £9million in 2015.
Wickham has also had spells at Sheffield Wednesday, Leeds, Preston, MK Dons, Forest Green, Cardiff City and Charlton during his career.
The forward will hope to be one of around 50 players who have secured contracts at clubs this summer following their involvement in the PFA’s pre-season project.
