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Manchester United is one of the biggest clubs in the world, but not every player who leaves Old Trafford fades into obscurity. In fact, several stars have flourished after departing the Red Devils. This article looks at seven players who shined after leaving United—and asks whether Marcus Rashford could be the next to follow in their footsteps.
Signed from Real Madrid in 2014 for a then-British record fee, Ángel Di María struggled in his only season at Manchester United. However, after moving to Paris Saint-Germain in 2015, he rediscovered his best form, winning multiple league titles and becoming a key player in the French capital. His success continued with Juventus, proving that he was still an elite player.
Despite scoring goals for United, Lukaku never fully won over the fans or management. After moving to Inter Milan in 2019, he became one of the best strikers in Europe, leading the club to a Serie A title in 2021. His performances in Italy restored his reputation as a top-class forward.
Highly rated when he arrived at United in 2015, Depay struggled to make an impact under Louis van Gaal and José Mourinho. However, after joining Lyon in 2017, he blossomed into one of the most dangerous attackers in Ligue 1. His performances earned him a move to Barcelona, showing he still had the talent United once believed in.
Brought to United as Sir Alex Ferguson's final signing, Zaha never truly got a chance under David Moyes and later returned to Crystal Palace. Back in London, he developed into one of the Premier League’s most exciting wingers, proving that he was capable of performing at the highest level.
Piqué left United in 2008 and returned to Barcelona, where he became one of the greatest defenders of his generation. Winning multiple La Liga titles and Champions Leagues, he showed that sometimes leaving Old Trafford can be the best decision.
Released by United as a youngster, Drinkwater found his way to Leicester City, where he played a crucial role in their historic 2015-16 Premier League title win. Although his career declined afterward, his success at Leicester proved that United may have let a talented midfielder slip away.
A fan favorite at United, Herrera left for PSG in 2019, where he added more trophies to his collection. His time in France further solidified his reputation as a hardworking and reliable midfielder.
Rashford has been a key player for United for years, but his form has dipped recently, leading to speculation about his future. Could he be the next player to leave and thrive elsewhere? If history is any indication, it wouldn’t be surprising.
