Jose Kleberson was often labelled as one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s worst ever buys at Manchester United, despite being a World Cup winner. But after fleeing Old Trafford in August 2005, what became of the Community Shield and FA Cup winner?

Kleberson earned himself a dream move to the Theatre of Dreams after an impressive 100 appearances in four seasons for Atlético Paranaense, and the 24-year-old was unveiled in Manchester alongside Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo. Costing £5.93 million, Scolari had previously declared the midfielder as the driving force behind Brazil’s cup-winning side.

One of the reasons we sold Seba Veron was because we knew we were getting Kleberson - that shows how highly we regard his talent.

Drawing interest from the likes of Barcelona, Newcastle United, Celtic and Leeds United, the Whites failed to secure the signing as Kleberson decided against leaving Brazil without his girlfriend – who was unable to marry until she turned 16. The move eventually came for the Red Devils, as he looked to replace Juan Sebastian Veron after a £16 million move to Chelsea.

Following his signing, Alex Ferguson praised his recent signing, and had high hopes for the 32-time internationally capped middle man, claiming:

"One of the reasons we sold Seba Veron was because we knew we were getting Kleberson - that shows how highly we regard his talent."

Making just 20 first team appearances, scoring twice in the process, he fell considerably short of the standard expected from an influential World Cup winner. Instead, he fled for Turkish side Besitkas for £2.5 million – the club who recently homed former struggler Bebe.

Two years in the Turkish Super League saw the Brazilian make 45 appearances, but he still struggled to relight his career following his move to the Theatre of Dreams. Credibility has been retained with a stunning costless-kick, but he soon returned to his native Brazil. Signing with South American giants Flamengo, complications in the contract ensured he was unable to play for a year.

The wait was worthwhile though, as he earned an international recall after a string of phenomenal performances for the Scarlet-Blacks.  He also managed to replace Manchester United’s Anderson in the national squad in 2009, before helping his side win the league title in the same year. Selected in the 2010 World Cup squad under Dunga, Kleberson failed to feature in the competition often and couldn’t recreate his previous form on the international scene.

A fall out with recently unveiled coach Vanderlei Luxembourgo led to a loan spell the following year, re-joining his first senior club Atletico Paranaense for the opening half of the season. Featuring 18 times for the Hurricanes, Kleberson was recalled six months into the loan after patching up his differences with Luxembourgo – who has managed thirty clubs in an extensive career.

Heading to Major League Soccer side Philadelphia Union, Kleberson scored his single goal in 11 appearances with a 95th minute winning costless-kick against Toronto FC in October 2013.

Scoring in the coveted derby against Fluminense on his return, the first of two goals in a dominant victory, he featured alongside the likes of Ronaldinho and Vagner Love. However, as Paranaense saw relegation to Serie B, Kleberton joined Bahia on a two-year contract in the summer of 2012. Scoring his first goal on his debut – against former club Flamengo, he managed 19 appearances before going out on loan once again.

Heading to Major League Soccer side Philadelphia Union, Kleberson scored his single goal in 11 appearances with a 95th minute winning costless-kick against Toronto FC in October 2013. Following the completion of his loan spell, he opted to stay in the United States; signing a two-year deal with North American Soccer League Indy Eleven.

The captain and influential midfielder is joined by the likes of Ben Spencer, on loan from Molde, and Sergio Pena, on loan from Real Sociedad, but failed to make the play-offs having currently featured 20 times for Juergen Sommer’s outfit.

Founded in 2013, Kleberton currently holds the record of all-time top goalscorer for the American side, having scored 8 goals in his first season aged 35.

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About the author
Kane Brooker
Kane is an 18-year-old Sports Journalist who predominantly covers Manchester United FC while having a heavy involvement in the Boxing office. Having joined the VAVEL team back in October 2014, he has previously featured for Sky Sports News while writing regularly for The Non-League Paper. Kane is also the club reporter, programme editor and press and communications officer for Walton Casuals Football Club.