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Portrait of Nikola Jovanovic

Nikola Jovanovic

Position: defender

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Name: Nikola Jovanović
Birthdate: 18-09-1952
Age: 73
Birthplace: Cetinje, Yugoslavia
Height: 6' 3" (1.91m)
Weight: 13st 10lbs (87.09kg)
Years at Club: 1980-1981
Signing Info: Transferred from: Red Star Belgrade, 01/1980 , £350,000
Previous Clubs: Red Star Belgrade, FC Buducnoet (loan)
Debut: 02/02/1980 v Derby County (A) 3-1 (League Division One)
Farewell: Contract cancelled 11/1982
Passed Away:

Biography
Nikola Jovanović (born 18 September 1952, Cetinje, Montenegro, then part of Yugoslavia) is a former professional footballer who played as a commanding goalscoring central defender. He is remembered in Manchester United history as the club’s first ever non-British or Irish signing, joining in 1980 from Red Star Belgrade.

Early Career in Yugoslavia
Jovanović began his career with Budućnost Titograd before signing for Red Star Belgrade, one of the most successful clubs in Yugoslavia. Renowned for his aerial ability, strong tackling, goalscoring ability and calm presence at the back, he helped Red Star win the Yugoslav First League title in 1977. His performances in domestic and European competition attracted interest from clubs abroad, and he earned recognition as one of Yugoslavia’s leading defenders of the late 1970s where he amassed 339 appearances & scored 50 goals.

Manchester United (1980–1982)
In January 1980, Jovanović made history when he signed for Manchester United for a fee of around £300,000. His arrival was seen as a bold move by United and manager Dave Sexton, who were looking to strengthen their defence during a transitional period at the club. Unfortunately, injuries and difficulties adapting to the physical demands of English football restricted his opportunities. Jovanović made 26 appearances and scored 4 goals for United before leaving in November 1982.

Later Career and Retirement
After leaving Old Trafford, he returned to Yugoslavia, later playing for Buducnost Titograd on loan before making permanent move, before retiring from professional football.

Legacy
Though his time at Manchester United was brief, Nikola Jovanović is remembered as a trailblazer – the first overseas signing in the club’s history, paving the way for future international stars to wear the red shirt of United.
 
Season Goals Season Appearances
League Goals League Appearances League Cup Goals League Cup Appearances FA Cup Goals FA Cup Appearances Charity Shield Goals Charity Shield Appearances European Cup Goals European Cup Appearances UEFA Cup Goals UEFA Cup Appearances Super Cup Goals Super Cup Appearances Cup Winners Cup Goals Cup Winners Cup Appearances Inter-Continental Cup Goals Inter-Continental Cup Appearances Club World Cup Goals Club World Cup Appearances Season
Goals
Season
Apps
1. 1979-1980 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
2. 1980-1981 4 19 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 24
TOTALS 4 21 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 26

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