McTominay to Martial: Long list of Man Utd underachievers enjoying success at other clubs
NewsThursday, 13 February 2025 at 20:05
It only took one word from Jadon Sancho to set social media alight: “Freedom.”
That single comment, describing Marcus Rashford’s fresh start at Aston Villa, sent Manchester United fans into a frenzy.
Sancho, who is also out on loan at Chelsea, found himself on the receiving end of criticism, with one fan quipping: "Y'all should form Lazy Bros FC."
But Sancho’s remark raised a bigger question: Are United players being stifled at Old Trafford? Are there better versions of Rasmus Højlund or Joshua Zirkzee waiting to emerge—if only they could escape the weight of expectation at a club that has struggled for identity?
A glance beyond Manchester offers compelling evidence. Several ex-United stars are flourishing, proving that life after Old Trafford can reignite a career.
Scott McTominay – Thriving in Naples
Scott McTominay’s move to Napoli has been nothing short of a dream start. Napoli sit top of Serie A under Antonio Conte, and McTominay has started every league game since missing the opener, being widely praised for his performances. After becoming the most expensive Scottish player in history at £26 million, he has been showing United exactly what they are missing, scoring seven goals in all competitions.
Beyond football, he has embraced life in Italy, regularly sharing photos of his travels with his girlfriend Cam Reading. In January, he even wished her a happy birthday in Italian: "Buon compleanno! Tutto il mio amore nel mondo."
Anthony Martial – Rekindling His Form in Greece
Few expected Anthony Martial to move to AEK Athens at 28, but the gamble is paying off. AEK Athens are just two points behind Olympiacos in the Greek title race, and Martial has already scored nine goals in 19 appearances—almost as many as he managed in his last three seasons at United combined.
He is winning over the fans, with chants ringing out at the airport after his last-minute winner in December. It’s a stark contrast to the frustration that defined his final years at Old Trafford.
Donny van de Beek – Finally Feeling Like a Footballer Again
Van de Beek's fall from grace at United remains one of the biggest mysteries. After struggling under Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Erik ten Hag, he has rediscovered himself in LaLiga with Girona. Now a starter in Girona’s Champions League chase, he has played more minutes this season than in the past four years combined.
Speaking to Voetbal International, he admitted, "I enjoy football again. The sacred fire has been reignited." Living in picturesque Catalonia with his girlfriend Estelle Bergkamp, Donny is proving that United's struggles weren’t about him—they were about the club.
Sofyan Amrabat – Mourinho’s Latest Project at Fenerbahce
Amrabat’s loan spell at United was a disappointment, but he’s finding his feet in Turkey. Now playing under José Mourinho at Fenerbahce, he is part of a side just three points off first place and already faced United in the Europa League this season.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – A New Man at West Ham
Wan-Bissaka's transformation at West Ham can be summed up in one stat: he scored two goals in consecutive weeks—his first in nearly 1,400 days.
At United, he was a defensive specialist—at West Ham, he's proving there’s more to his game.
Jadon Sancho – Rediscovering Himself at Chelsea
Sancho’s Chelsea loan spell has been promising, but he’s still overshadowed by Cole Palmer. He impressed on debut with an assist against Bournemouth and has earned calls for an England return from pundits like Danny Murphy.
His "freedom" comment may have been ill-advised, but he's slowly regaining his confidence.
Antony – A Weight Lifted in Spain
No player better symbolizes United’s wasted spending than Antony—but he’s thriving at Real Betis. He was named Man of the Match in his first game and scored within 10 minutes against Celta Vigo—matching his entire United tally this season.
"When Betis appeared, I felt a certainty in my heart that I had come here to achieve great things," said Antony. Betis CEO Ramon Alarcón has already admitted they may try to make his move permanent.
Raphaël Varane – Enjoying Retirement
Varane shocked the world when he retired at 31. He moved to Como in Italy but played just once before calling it quits.
Since then, he has been enjoying life—playing padel with F1 star Pierre Gasly, visiting Disneyland Paris with his family, and still helping out behind the scenes at Como.
Tyrell Malacia – Returning From Injury at PSV
Malacia missed 72 games due to a brutal knee injury but is finally back on the pitch for PSV Eindhoven. His return comes just as PSV are competing for a league title and taking on Juventus in the Champions League.
Marcus Rashford – The Biggest Test Yet
For Rashford, this loan to Aston Villa isn’t just a fresh start—it’s a defining moment.
Unai Emery has already backed him, including him in Villa’s Champions League squad and giving him minutes against Tottenham in the FA Cup. Morgan Rogers is the only attacker guaranteed a place in Villa’s XI, meaning Rashford has a golden opportunity to prove himself.
Emery’s challenge is clear: "I don’t want to know why he’s leaving United, but I’m happy to have him. His potential is still huge. My challenge is to help him rediscover it."
What This Means for United
All of these ex-United stars thriving elsewhere suggests a bigger problem at Old Trafford.
Is the club culture holding players back? Does United’s tactical setup suffocate creativity? Or is this simply a case of players not being good enough in Manchester’s spotlight?
Either way, Rashford now has his shot at redemption. If he takes it, "freedom" might just become a turning point—not just for him, but for Manchester United’s future.
