Diego Forlan suffers loss on pro tennis debut as fans react to compilation of Man Utd star in action

Former Manchester United, Atletico Madrid and Uruguay striker Diego Forlan has made his professional tennis debut - but it didn't quite go to plan.

The 45-year-old, whose scored 274 goals across his club career, retired from football back in 2019 after a short spell with Hong Kong Premier League side Kitchee.

He then went into management, being appointed as manager of Uruguayan top division side Penarol in December 2019. However, he only lasted until September 2020 after winning four of 11 games in charge, before another short spell followed at second tier side Atenas.

Now, Forlan has turned to professional tennis after being given a wildcard to compete in the Uruguay Open doubles competition, which takes place on the ATP Challenger Tour.

But the Uruguayan and his partner Federico Coria - who is also taking part in singles competition - suffered a straight sets 6-1 6-2 defeat to the seeded Ecuadorian pair of Federico Zeballos and Boris Arias in Montevideo.

Footage of Forlan's debut has emerged - and it shows the former United striker enjoying some impressive moments during the match.

The former World Cup semi-finalist, who can be seen in blue shirt and white shorts, can be seen striking a forehand shot from the back of the court that wrong-footed his two opponents and secured a point.

Another sees Forlan hit an overhead smash that his opponent is unable to deal with, before delivering a deft flick - although perhaps not in the ideal position - to win another point.

His debut is described as having 'not much power on his serve or shots but some nice points at the net'.

Check out the footage below.

Diego Forlan’s highlights during his pro tennis debut alongside doubles partner Federico Coria in Montevideo.

Not much power on his serve or shots but some nice points at the net from Forlan 🔥

Done better than Paolo Maldini (2017) by 1 game ! pic.twitter.com/iPranboJWr

— edgeAI (@edgeAIapp) November 14, 2024

In response to the clip, one fan wrote on Twitter: "Lovely first touch. Emphatic overhead. Some things never change."

Another said: "Horrific court positioning at the net!"

A third wrote: "He mastered the smash and the Jabulani.

A fourth said: "From the World Cup to the clay court... Diego Forlan is a different beast."