Ji-sung Park is frequently mentioned in discussions about the most underrated players in Premier League history. However, during his time at Manchester United, the former South Korean international was anything but underappreciated by those at Old Trafford.
Park joined United in 2005 and spent seven successful years with the club, making significant contributions in numerous campaigns. In both the 2005–06 and 2008–09 seasons, he made over 40 appearances for the Red Devils, proving his reliability and consistency.
The only time he failed to play at least 20 games in a season was during his final year at the club.
During his spell at United, Park amassed an impressive trophy haul. He won four Premier League titles, three League Cups, the 2008 UEFA Champions League, and the FIFA Club World Cup. However, the FA Cup was the one domestic trophy that eluded him before he left for Queens Park Rangers in 2012. In total, he made over 200 appearances for the club, a testament to his value as a key squad member.
In a 2021 interview on the UTD Podcast, Park shared insights into why he chose to leave Manchester United. He revealed that he knew it was time to move on during the 2011–12 season after being left out of the squad for five consecutive games despite being fully fit.
According to Park, it was the first time in his career at United that he had missed so many games without being injured. That was the clear sign to him that his time at the club was coming to an end.
Park spoke with Sir Alex Ferguson about his decision to leave, and while the club wanted him to stay, he felt it was the right moment to move on. He explained that missing so many games while in good health was tough, especially since he had always been a key contributor to the team. He also noted that some of his teammates had begun to sense that he might be leaving.
Leaving Manchester United was difficult for Park, as he had built a life there over seven years, with friends, family, and a familiar environment that felt like home. At the age of 31, he knew that this would likely be his last major move and contract, so he made the tough decision to depart.
Park shared a particularly emotional moment, revealing that Sir Alex Ferguson wrote him a letter after his departure, which he still keeps to this day.
The letter meant a great deal to him, and Park expressed his gratitude for having played under Ferguson, whom he described as a manager with whom he had a great relationship. Ferguson’s grandson, according to the letter, had not wanted Park to leave, a sentiment that only deepened Park’s sense of connection to the club.
Reflecting on his time at Manchester United, Park acknowledged how fortunate he was to work with Ferguson and be part of such a successful team. His decision to leave may have been difficult, but it marked the end of a remarkable chapter in his football career, one that United fans continue to appreciate.
