Manchester United's summer transfer departures are starting to adapt to their new lives away from Old Trafford and proving the Reds right in the process
Alejandro Garnacho has struggled since his summer transfer to Chelsea
Alejandro Garnacho has struggled since his summer transfer to Chelsea
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Manchester United's summer transfer window was as much about selling players as it was buying them.
Yes, the Reds needed to ensure that reinforcements were brought in but the right players had to be let go to balance the books. There is always a risk when choosing to let players leave that you will suddenly be put into a position where you regret that decision.
But when you look at the three major departures in the summer, you have to say that United can reassuredly state that they got it right. Take Alejandro Garnacho for example.
He left United under a cloud due to his antics off the field. His performances on the pitch were not much better last season but there was a sense that his potential was untapped.
United's lack of wingers in the 3-4-2-1 system left Garnacho without a home under Ruben Amorim and you felt that if he found the right club, the Argentine could move from strength-to-strength. And yet his sluggish start at Chelsea suggests United are not missing out on too much by choosing to back Amorim over him.
His only Premier League goal came against Sunderland and arguably his best performance was against a struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers side. Not quite the redemption arc Garnacho was hoping for.
However, it is not just those struggling at their new clubs who are proving United right. Marcus Rashford has undeniably excelled during his loan spell at Barcelona.
The forward has rediscovered that form which had so many fans excited when he burst onto the scene at Old Trafford. It was clear Rashford needed to leave United after his relationship with Amorim broke down.
The fear from a United perspective was that if the relationship with Amorim was over and Rashford did not perform for Barca, options would begin to dry up as the Reds looked to sell him. Ultimately, United need the money going into the next summer transfer window and selling him to a club that is not a direct rival remains the ideal solution. Fortunately, his good form means it is likely Barca will trigger their option to buy him.
Finally, there is Rasmus Hojlund. The Dane left United when Benjamin Sesko arrived and while it was not ideal for him to depart with so few centre-forwards at the club, Hojlund is proving that decision right too.
The 22-year-old at Napoli has more goals than Sesko so far this season but Hojlund is not overshadowing his successor. Sesko is showing signs at United of what he can do that Hojlund couldn't. He is stronger holding the ball up and brings supporting players, particularly the likes of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, into the game better.
Would you like to see Sesko scoring more goals? Of course. But he is a work in progress and has not left United fans wishing for Hojlund to return and regretting any of these decisions taken.
That's the biggest positive the Reds can take from their major summer exits. United have parted ways with them at just the right time.