José Manuel (footballer, born 2003)

José Manuel Nicolás Ayén (born 22 September 2003), known as José Manuel, is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for FC Cartagena B.

Club career
Born in Murcia, José Manuel played for Beniaján UCAM CF before signing a contract with FC Cartagena on 21 June 2021; he was initially assigned to the Juvenil squad. He made his senior debut with the reserves on 31 October, coming on as a second-half substitute in a 1–1 Tercera División RFEF away draw against UD Caravaca.

José Manuel made his first team debut on 7 November 2021, replacing Yann Bodiger late into a 3–1 home defeat of Málaga CF in the Segunda División. Four days later, he extended his contract with the club until 2024.