Forgotten former EPL striker scores from halfway line against Man Utd U21s

A FORGOTTEN Premier League striker stunned Manchester United's U21s as he scored from the HALFWAY LINE.

Connor Wickham showed why clubs should take a punt on him as he scored for a team made up of free agents by the PFA.

The organisation sets up a pre-season camp to help stars keep fit as they search for a new club.

This includes friendly games against the likes of United's U21s at Carrington.

And Wickham, 32, made sure to take his chance as he scored a wonder goal from just inside the United half.

His shot sailed over a scrambling William Murdock and into the goal to give the free agents the lead.

And fans were left stunned as they reacted on social media.

One posted: "Surprised Wickham is still a free agent."

A second wrote: "Seen enough Hibernian."

A third commented: "I still love Connor Wickham."

A fourth said: "Sign him up, Ipswich Town."

It is not the first time he has scored from that sort of range, as he netted a stunning goal in the FA Cup against South Shields back in 2022.

Wickham has been without a club since he left Charlton Athletic in 2024.

He is best remembered for his top-flight spells with Sunderland and Crystal Palace.

He became a regular at the Black Cats in the 2013/24 season as he scored five times in 15 appearances.

Wickham followed that up with another five goals in the 2014/15 season which ended with Sunderland.

Following his efforts, Palace were convinced to splash out £7million on his services.

He scored 11 times in 50 appearances during his six-year spell at the club.

Wickham's stay at Selhurst Park was blighted by injury as he sustained a major knee injury in November 2016.

He was eventually released by Palace in 2021, and he has since had spells at Preston North End, MK Dons, Forest Green Rovers, Cardiff City and lastly the Addicks.

Wickham came through the ranks at Ipswich Town in his youth career and showed plenty of promise.

As a teenager, he scored 15 times in 72 appearances for the Tractor Boys.

He was recognised internationally as he played for England at multiple age groups up until the U21s.

Earlier this summer, he looked set for a move to Bromley after reportedly training with the League Two side.

However, it appears he was unable to convince Andy Woodman to add him to his squad.

Here is a look at some of the top free agents currently available...