10 Former Manchester United Players Who Found Success after Leaving Old Trafford

Manchester United have made significant investments in the transfer market in recent years, yet success on the pitch has remained elusive. The most recent example is Antony, who is enjoying a resurgence on loan at Real Betis after underperforming at Old Trafford since arriving in 2022.

Beyond Antony, a host of former United players have gone on to enjoy fruitful careers after struggling in Manchester. Here’s a look at ten such players who rediscovered form and fame away from the ‘Theatre of Dreams’.

1. Alexis Sánchez – Reborn in Italy and France

Alexis Sánchez never lived up to expectations at United. His stint at Old Trafford remains a low point in an otherwise stellar career.

After departing Manchester, he played a key role in Inter Milan’s 2020–21 Serie A title win, contributing seven league goals. He later impressed at Marseille before returning to Inter and securing yet another league title.

2. Memphis Depay – Redemption in France and Spain

Signed with high expectations, Memphis Depay never truly settled in Manchester, scoring only two goals in 33 Premier League appearances.

A move to Lyon in 2017 revived his career, where he notched 76 goals and 55 assists, helping the club reach the 2019–20 Champions League semi-finals. Later, he joined Barcelona and now plays for Atletico Madrid, where he made a key impact in the Champions League knockout stages.

3. Radamel Falcao – From Disappointment to Ligue 1 Champion

Arriving with a big reputation in 2014, Radamel Falcao scored just four goals in 26 league matches for United before enduring another underwhelming loan at Chelsea.

He returned to form at AS Monaco, leading them to the 2016–17 Ligue 1 title and a run to the Champions League semi-finals. Today, he enjoys cult-hero status at Rayo Vallecano.

4. Danny Drinkwater – Premier League Champion

Though Danny Drinkwater never made a senior appearance for United, he went on to become a vital part of Leicester City’s historic 2015–16 Premier League title-winning team. Despite a downturn in recent years, that achievement remains a career highlight.

5. Ángel Di María – From Misfit to World Champion

Ángel Di María showed glimpses of brilliance at United, especially his memorable chip against Leicester, but failed to settle and left after just one season.

At Paris Saint-Germain, he became a cornerstone of the club’s dominance, providing over 100 assists and winning five Ligue 1 titles. He later starred in Argentina’s World Cup victory in 2022 before joining Juventus.

6. Wilfried Zaha – Palace Hero after Brief United Spell

Touted as the next big thing after joining from Crystal Palace, Wilfried Zaha made just four appearances for United before returning to Palace.

Back at Selhurst Park, he flourished into one of the Premier League’s top wingers, earning widespread respect for his loyalty and consistent performances.

7. Dion Dublin – Premier League Goal Machine

Dion Dublin spent two years at United, but truly shone after his move to Coventry City and later Aston Villa, scoring over 100 Premier League goals. His recovery from a serious leg break at United to achieve this feat marks one of the league’s great redemption arcs.

8. Gerard Piqué – Trophy-Laden Return to Barcelona

A fringe player during United’s 2007–08 double-winning season, Gerard Piqué returned to Barcelona in 2008 and went on to win:

• 3 Champions League titles

• 9 La Liga titles

• 7 Copa del Reys

• World Cup and Euro with Spain

He retired as one of the most decorated defenders of his generation.

9. Diego Forlán – A Legend in Spain and Uruguay

Diego Forlán only managed 10 goals in 63 Premier League matches for United, but became a goal-scoring icon in Spain with Villarreal and Atletico Madrid, netting 128 La Liga goals.

He won the Golden Ball at the 2010 World Cup and helped Uruguay win the 2011 Copa America.

10. Tim Howard – Premier League Mainstay at Everton

Tim Howard began his Premier League journey with Manchester United during the 2003–04 season, winning the FA Cup in his debut year. Although he eventually lost his starting spot at Old Trafford, the American goalkeeper truly came into his own after moving to Everton.

At Goodison Park, Howard became a fan favorite and a model of consistency. Over nine seasons, he made more than 400 appearances and helped stabilize the club’s defense during a competitive era in the Premier League. His performances earned him recognition as one of the most reliable goalkeepers in the league during his time.