Manchester United froze several players out of their first-team plans under Ruben Amorim during the summer transfer window
Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United
Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho sealed moves away from Manchester United in the summer(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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Manchester United welcomed the start of a new chapter during Michael Carrick’s first game in charge. The triumphant victory and stellar performance in the Manchester derby last weekend felt worlds apart from the dismal mood that came to define Ruben Amorim’s tenure.
There was some optimism under the Portuguese coach during the summer transfer window after United recruited a new goalkeeper and attacking trio. Amorim was also clear about those he wished to move on, with five players being kept out of his plans for the upcoming season.
This resulted in permanent moves for Alejandro Garnacho and Antony to Chelsea and Real Betis, respectively. Marcus Rashford secured a loan move to Barcelona and Jadon Sancho temporarily joined Aston Villa, while Tyrell Malacia remained at Old Trafford. Here’s how all five players have fared after wishing to leave the club.
Marcus Rashford
The arrival of Carrick as manager on an interim basis represents a fresh start and possibly offers a route for Marcus Rashford to return to his boyhood club. The forward quickly fell out of favour under Amorim, heading to Villa last year before sealing a summer loan move to Barcelona.
In October, when asked if he wished to stay with Barcelona, Rashford told ESPN: “Oh yeah, for sure. I'm enjoying this football club and I think for anybody who loves football, Barcelona is one of the key clubs in the history of the game. For a player it is an honour."
Rashford has scored eight and registered 11 assists in 29 games for Barcelona, who can make his deal permanent for £26million. Despite the 28-year-old reiterating his desire to stay, new United boss Carrick provides hope that the situation could still change.
Rashford knows the United manager well, having shared the pitch with him on 48 occasions during his playing days. Until a permanent move to Barcelona is finalised, there remains a chance - however slim it may be - that Rashford will choose to play under his old team-mate at Old Trafford.
Marcus Rashford celebrates scoring for Barcelona
Marcus Rashford has relished his loan spell at Barcelona(Image: Michael Regan - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
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Alejandro Garnacho
The young winger’s future at United appeared to be sealed following comments he made after being an unused substitute in last season’s Europa League final. Garnacho did show flashes of brilliance in a United shirt and Chelsea swooped in to complete a £40m transfer.
Similar to his former team-mates, the 21-year-old has experienced a change of manager this term but has made a mixed start to life at his new club. In 23 appearances, Garnacho has scored six times and provided three assists across all competitions, frustrating with his finishing as he previously did in Manchester.
Antony
Antony is one of the latest in a growing list of players who have shown improved form after leaving Old Trafford. Having failed to live up to his huge price tag at United, the Brazilian began to rebuild his reputation on loan at Real Betis last season.
The Spanish club waited until September to agree a deal that could rise to £21.6m but he is already proving to be value for money at Betis. Antony has clocked up 15 goal contributions across 23 games for his new club, who are once again targeting European football.
Jadon Sancho of Aston Villa
Jadon Sancho has not been a regular starter for Aston Villa(Image: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
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Jadon Sancho
There was plenty of excitement surrounding Jadon Sancho when he arrived from Borussia Dortmund in 2021 but the winger is currently on his third loan spell away from United. Chelsea paid United £5m to not make his move permanent in the summer, leading the 25-year-old to join Aston Villa.
Sancho has not yet made much impact for Unai Emery’s side, having failed to register a goal or assist in his first 18 games, though Villa’s injury troubles could soon lead to an extended run in the team. The forward is currently in the final few months of his United contract but there is an option of a one-year extension.
Tyrell Malacia
Tyrell Malacia is another who is in the final stages of his United contract. The defender was informed he was free to seek a move elsewhere, having spent part of the previous campaign on loan at PSV Eindhoven. However, the full-back remained at United and was eventually reintegrated into the first team squad.
The 26-year-old has consistently been an unused substitute after being brought back into the fold, aside from a cameo appearance in the win over Newcastle on Boxing Day. While Carrick offers a chance for Malacia to impress a new coach, the Dutchman faces plenty of competition at left-back and has reportedly held talks over his immediate future.