Players Who Struggled After Joining Manchester United: A Look at the Fallen Stars

Manchester United, one of the most successful football clubs in the world, has attracted numerous high-profile players over the years. However, not every signing has lived up to the high expectations that come with playing at Old Trafford. Some talented individuals, who arrived with great promise, saw their careers falter after donning the famous red jersey. Let’s take a look at some of the players who struggled to shine after joining Manchester United.

Alexis Sánchez Arriving from Arsenal in January 2018 in a high-profile swap deal, Alexis Sánchez was expected to bring his attacking flair and goal-scoring prowess to Manchester United. Unfortunately, the Chilean never found his feet at Old Trafford, managing just five goals in 45 appearances before being loaned out and eventually sold to Inter Milan. His sharp decline in form made him one of the most disappointing signings in recent club history.

Memphis Depay Signed in 2015 as one of the brightest young talents in European football, Memphis Depay’s time at United was short-lived. The Dutch winger failed to adapt to the Premier League, scoring only seven goals in 53 appearances. His inconsistent performances saw him fall out of favor, and he was sold to Lyon in 2017, where he revived his career and showcased the talent that was missing during his time in Manchester.

Angel Di María Angel Di María’s arrival in 2014 was met with immense excitement, as the Argentine winger was fresh off an outstanding campaign with Real Madrid. However, his time at United quickly soured. Di María struggled to settle in England and managed just four goals in his single season with the club. His departure to PSG the following year was a swift end to a highly anticipated but disappointing chapter at Old Trafford.

Radamel Falcao When Radamel Falcao arrived on loan from AS Monaco in 2014, he was regarded as one of the best strikers in the world. However, the Colombian’s spell at Manchester United was marked by injury struggles and a lack of sharpness in front of goal. Falcao managed just four goals in 29 appearances, and the club chose not to make his loan move permanent.

Donny van de Beek Donny van de Beek’s move to Manchester United in 2020 was hailed as a coup, with the Dutch midfielder arriving after a stellar campaign with Ajax. However, van de Beek has struggled to secure regular playing time at United, often finding himself on the bench under successive managers. Despite showing flashes of his talent, he has yet to make the impact expected of him.

These players, all stars in their own right before arriving at Old Trafford, found the transition to life at Manchester United difficult, with their careers taking unexpected downturns. As the club continues to rebuild under Erik ten Hag, it remains to be seen if future signings can avoid the same fate and thrive in the spotlight of one of the world’s biggest football clubs.