Top Ranking African players at Arsenal & Manchester United

Quinton Fortune

Quinton Fortune: The injury-ravaged South African joined Manchester United in 1999, where he spent seven years as a part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad. He made 93 appearances in both midfield and defence, while netting six goals for the club.

Kolo Toure Arsenal Premier League

When Arsenal’s 'Invincibles' were at the peak of their powers, Kolo Toure was a rock in the heart of of their defence. He formed a solid partnership with former Tottenham hero Sol Campbell and is considered to be one of Arsene Wenger’s most astute buys. He is a no-nonsense, tough-tackling defender, and the Gunners have struggled to replace him since his departure. He remains in the Premier League with Liverpool and won the Afcon with the Cote d'Ivoire in 2015.

Lauren Arsenal

 Lauren was a key player in two magnificent teams; perhaps most famous for playing his part as a starter in Arsenal's Invincibles, he also shone as Cameroon won consecutive Africa Cup of Nations, and picked up an Olympic gold medal. A class act!

Nwankwo Kanu

Nwankwo Kanu was one of the first successful Africans to grace the Premier League, and he did it in outstanding fashion with Arsenal. The Nigerian striker was in a class of his own, winning the African Footballer of the Year award twice, three FA Cups, and the Premier league twice as a Gunner. He also won the Uefa Champions League with Ajax and the Uefa Cup with Inter Milan, all the while impressing with his invention and glorious footwork.

ARSENAL GOALSCORER Emmanuel Adebayor

 There are very few African players who have managed to split opinion as much as Emmanuel Adebayor. He made 143 appearances for Arsenal and scored 62 goals for them, 30 of which came in the 2007/08 season. Yet that record does not hold him in good stead with the Gunners faithful. In a less fruitful venture, Adebayor also played for Tottenham Hotspur, yielding 18 goals in 47 games in a spell that lasted three-and-a-half years.

 Alex Song of Arsenal

Alex Song had the opportunity to become a star at the Emirates Stadium, but left Arsenal at the zenith of his potential to join Barcelona. The box-to-box midfielder was indispensable for the London club and broke Gunners’ hearts when he left for his big move to Spain. He had shown tremendous growth as a player, with glimpses of attacking flair, despite his defensive inclinations. He is currently back in England, on loan with West Ham United.

Eric Djemba-Djemba Manchester United

 Eric Djemba-Djemba played for Manchester United between 2003 and 2005, and is widely regarded as one of Sir Alex Ferguson's biggest transfer flops. The Cameroonian featured 28 times for the club, and scored just once-in the league cup. He may have failed at United, but Djemba-Djemba enjoyed great success with Cameroon, winning the Nations Cup in 2002.

Mame Biram Diouf of Manchester United

Mame Biram Diouf joined a star-studded Red Devils side in May 2009, but was unable to break into the starting XI. He eventually left United for Hannover 96 in 2012, and is now back in the Premier League, plying his trade for Stoke City.

Eric Bailly of Manchester United

Eric Bailly may just be at the beginning of his Manchester United career, but he's already demonstrated quality and character in bucket loads and looks set to be a key man for the Red Devils for years to come. He is an impressive physical specimen and has adapted comfortably to life in the English game. A Nations Cup winner with the Cote d'Ivoire in 2015, expect Bailly to enjoy a trophy-laden career.

Quinton Fortune of Manchester United

Quinton Fortune: The injury-ravaged South African joined Manchester United in 1999, where he spent seven years as a part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad. He made 93 appearances in both midfield and defence, while netting six goals for the club.