Manchester United’s academy is famous for producing top-level footballers, but one member of the club’s title-winning youth team in 2013 is now on a different path.
Former Manchester United prospect Charni Ekangamane made a drastic career change after leaving Old Trafford 11 years ago. Ekangamene, now 31, made history for the Red Devils in the 2012-13 season when he helped the club win the Under-21 Premier League title for the first time in its history.
The midfielder left his hometown club Royal Antwerp to sign for United at the age of 16, befriending Adnan Januzaj and playing alongside the likes of Jesse Lingard, Michael Keane and Andreas Pereira. In 2014, Ekangamane joined Carlisle United on loan and made his professional debut in League One against Bristol City.
The Belgian decided to leave Old Trafford later that year and returned to his homeland, joining Zulte Waregem on a four-year contract. Ekangamene went on to play for clubs in the Netherlands, Slovakia, Spain and Gibraltar.
He signed with Belgian fourth division side Berchem Sport in 2023, becoming the 13th club of his career. Ekangamene has another job as the club is part-time only.
The 33-year-old is a postman for Bpost, Belgium’s equivalent of Royal Mail. Ekangamene took on the role in 2021 and feels it is a “perfect fit” alongside his football.
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“I’m still playing in the fourth tier for Berchem Sport, so this job suits me in terms of time,” he was quoted as recently telling The Sun newspaper. “I start early in the day so I can get some rest before training starts.
“I’ve been a postman for about four years now. At first I went by bike, but now I use a van. At least now I don’t get wet. Even though I have a lot of apartments to deliver to, I’m still on the move.”
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Ekangamene later revealed that his monthly salary is a quarter of what he made during his time in United’s academy. “By the time I was working at Bpost and playing at Berchem, I was earning over €3,000 (about £2,630) a month,” he continued.
“When I was at Manchester United, I was paid four times as much. But after I left Manchester United, my football career didn’t go as well as I had hoped. I tried my best, but you can’t always get everything you want.”
Ekangamane’s decision to leave the Red Devils in July 2014 raised eyebrows. “I went to Manchester United when I was 16 and learned a lot there in each age group,” he said upon joining Zulte Waregem.
“It’s time to take the next step. I spoke to several people about Zulte Waregem. I immediately fell in love with the project the club presented me.”
Ekangamene also posted on Instagram: “No one will probably understand why I left Man United, but it was the best decision for me, my family and those close to me. Thank you for the last four years and may Man United find the right place for you!”
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