Michael Manniche

Born in Copenhagen, Frederiksberg Municipality, Manniche started his career with Brønshøj Boldklub in 1977, signing for Hvidovre IF three years later and helping it to the Danish Cup in 1980 and the Danish Championship in the following year; in August he made his debut with Denmark, appearing as a second-half substitute in a friendly with Nordic neighbours Finland (2–1 win) – in total, he would win 11 caps in six years, but did not attend any major international tournament. In the middle of 1983, Manniche moved abroad, signing with defending Primeira Liga champions S.L. Benfica. In his first season he helped the team retain the championship, scoring 11 goals in only 21 matches. Additionally, he netted twice in the 1985 Portuguese Cup final win against FC Porto (3–1), winning another league trophy in 1987. Having played 132 official matches with 75 goals for Benfica, Manniche was affectionately known as "O Tosco" (Portuguese slang for a person/player with few or no technical abilities). In the decades following his retirement he stayed firmly connected to the club, either watching games, mediating in business negotiations or supplying training equipment. In 1987, 28-year-old Manniche returned home, joining Boldklubben 1903 – on 1 July 1992, it merged with Kjøbenhavns Boldklub to become F.C. Copenhagen. In its first year of existence, they won the league; he played his last match on 17 April 1994, and became a coach for small Danish amateur sides. Manniche returned to…

Hvidovre

Danish Superliga: 1981 Danish Cup: 1980 Benfica

Primeira Liga: 1983–84, 1986–87 Taça de Portugal: 1984–85, 1985–86, 1986–87 Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 1985 FC Copenhagen

Danish Superliga: 1992–93