What happened to eight stars who left Man Utd in summer including crocked legend and unemployed ‘Luke Shaw replacement’
MANCHESTER UNITED allowed eight players to leave on free transfers at the end of last season.
After winning the FA Cup against Manchester City, boss Erik ten Hag clung on to his job at Old Trafford.
As he began preparations for his third season in charge, the Dutchman set about reshaping his squad.
In doing so, United did not renew the contracts of eight pro players.
These included two first-team stalwarts, as well as some promising youngsters… and one England international many may not have even realised was there.
Those to leave have experienced mixed fortunes since departing United.
Some have gone on to exciting new projects, one has retired, and others are still without a club.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at where each player to leave on a free transfer ended up.
RAPHAEL VARANE
French defender Varane suffered an injury-hit third and final season at Old Trafford.
He was limited to just 22 Premier League outings last term, but did help his side win the FA Cup in his final game for the club.
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On that occasion at Wembley, it was already known that he would be leaving.
He went on to sign for Como in July, linking up with boss Cesc Fabregas – but he has so far played just 23 minutes of football for the Italian side due to further injury issues.
ANTHONY MARTIAL
Forward Martial’s nine-year Man Utd career came to an end in underwhelming fashion last season.
The last of his 317 appearances for the club came last December, as an illness followed by groin surgery prematurely ended his campaign.
Martial, 28, spent much of the summer looking for a new team.
And he was given a hero’s reception when he finally signed for one, sealing a shock move to Greek side AEK Athens this week.
TOM HUDDLESTONE
Former Tottenham and England midfielder Huddlestone joined Man Utd as a player-academy coach in 2022.
During two seasons at United the midfielder provided invaluable guidance to the club’s youngsters, while now and then featuring alongside them.
Following nine appearances for United’s Under-21s last season, the 37-year-old retired from football in July.
He initially joined Wigan as a first team coach for the start of pre-season, but this week departed for a similar role at Birmingham after receiving what the Latics called “an offer he simply could not refuse”.
CHARLIE MCNEILL
Academy graduate McNeill left United after four years with his boyhood club.
The forward, 21, made one first team appearance for the Red Devils – coming in a Europa League clash early in Ten Hag’s first season at the club.
Having been on loan spells with Newport and Stevenage during his Man Utd stint – McNeill signed permanently for Sheffield Wednesday upon leaving Old Trafford.
He is yet to appear in the Championship for his new club, but has scored two goals in three League Cup outings to date.
MARCUS LAWRENCE
Local lad Lawrence left United having never come close to reaching their first team.
The full-back, 19, was born in Stretford, a stone’s throw from Old Trafford.
He featured periodically for the club’s Under-18s before departing.
Lawrence is still looking for a new club.
BRANDON WILLIAMS
Full-back Williams had once been thought of as the club’s best left sided defender, even usurping England regular Luke Shaw in the eyes of former United executive Ed Woodward.
He played 51 times for United’s first team, including 36 appearances during the 2019-20 campaign under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Having previously been on loan at Norwich, Williams spent the final year of his United contract on loan at Ipswich.
He remains without a club, and is set to go on trial for dangerous driving next March, a charge he denies.
Having been working on his fitness after not playing since last December, Williams is hoping to find a club by the end of January.
KIE PLUMLEY
Man Utd somewhat surprisingly signed goalkeeper Kie Plumley last September, following his release by Oxford United.
During his time at Old Trafford, Plumley played the role of No2 keeper for their Under-21 side – making one appearance in the PL2.
Following his United release, Plumley signed for eighth-tier side Hartley Wintney.
He has since debuted for his new team, helping them beat East Grinstead Town 2-1 in the FA Cup.
OMARI FORSON
Despite being offered a new deal to stay at United, winger Forson opted to leave on a free transfer at the end of last season.
Forson, 20, had begun to break through under Ten Hag, appearing seven times for United’s first team last season.
Despite this, he decided to move on – signing for Serie A side Monza.
After beginning the season with a muscular issue he is yet to make an appearance for his new club, but he has been named as a substitute in their last three games.