Three Man United rejects embarrass their former club with dazzling international exploits
Man United continue to have a regrettable record of former players performing far better once they leave Old Trafford.
Man United sold Scott McTominay to Napoli back in August 2024 as part of one of the final pieces of transfer business carried out by Erik ten Hag.
The Scotsman is an example of Red Devil stars who have left the toxic environment of Manchester to revive their tainted football careers.
Similarly, Antony signed permanently for Real Betis on transfer deadline day after impressing on a short-term loan last season, yet another flop who has thrived away from old Trafford.
The October international break has highlighted the continuation of this trend with a whole host of axed United men thriving on the global stage.
Rasmus Hojlund deadly for Denmark
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness exclusively told Football Insider on 12 October that Man United made a mistake by offloading Rasmus Hojlund.
The 22-year-old joined Napoli on transfer deadline day as part of a loan deal with an obligation to buy and has become a cult hero in the south of Italy.
The number 19 has racked up four goals in six matches in all competitions for Antonio Conte’s side and has is also in the same rich vein of form with his national team.
Hojlund was bagged two goals and an assist against Belarus on 9 October and topped off his international break with another goal against Greece in a 3-1 victory on 12 October.
Hojlund’s statistics for Napoli and Denmark speak volumes and he has rediscovered his golden goalscoring touch with Ruben Amorim pondering over why he ever let him go.
McTominay dazzles for Scotland in crucial World Cup qualifiers
Hojlund’s Napoli teammate continues to take his superb domestic performances to the international arena with Scotland.
The 28-year-old was on target in the Tartan Army’s nervy 2-1 win over Belarus on 12 October as they bid to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1982.
The former United academy graduate is vital for Steve Clarke’s system, working hard off the ball as well as spearheading Scotland’s attacks.
The number eight had two shots on target against the eastern European outfit, delivering one key pass in the process.
His outrageous stamina mixed with his imposing physicality will surely be something Amorim would’ve loved to have had as the Red Devils boss.
Had the Portuguese manager arrived a few months sooner, it could’ve seen McTominay become one of the ex-Sporting CP boss’ main men in midfield.
Memphis Depay continues upwards trajectory as ruthless finisher after fleeing Man United
The PSV Eindhoven academy star majorly flopped during his two-and-a-half-year spell at Old Trafford but, since leaving the club, he has become a football icon across the world.
Departing from Manchester in January 2017, the 31-year-old had relative success in Europe with Lyon and Atletico Madrid, yet has taken his all-round ability to another level following a move to Brazil.
In 2025 the number 10 has 18 goal involvements in 39 matches for Corinthians and, despite taking a step away from Europe, has maintained his clinical nature for The Netherlands.
The Dutchman bagged two goals and two assists across the October internationals under Ronald Koeman, inspiring comfortable victories over Malta and Finland.
Although Benjamin Sesko has begun to find his feet for United, Amorim would’ve certainly loved the opportunity to work with Depay.
The ex-Barcelona star has quietly matured into one of the most well-rounded forwards out there who can both finish and create gilt-edge chances for teammates.