Manchester United's recruitment has been heavily criticised over the past decade, but their retention of players has been equally questionable. Many former players have gone on to excel elsewhere, leaving the club to rue their decisions. Danny Welbeck once again haunted his former side on Sunday, scoring for Brighton in their FA Cup victory over United.
Welbeck, sold to Arsenal in 2014, has now scored five times against United since leaving. Despite being a reliable option under Sir Alex Ferguson, subsequent managers undervalued him. He remains among the top English scorers in the Premier League, proving United's tendency to overlook their own talent.
Scott McTominay was sold to Napoli for just £25 million after scoring 10 goals under Erik ten Hag. Within a year, he became a Serie A champion and fan favourite. Romelu Lukaku, sold by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, has won league titles at Inter Milan and Napoli, consistently finding the net after his underwhelming stint at Old Trafford.
Dean Henderson, who impressed on loan at Sheffield United, was repeatedly overlooked before joining Crystal Palace. He went on to win the FA Cup, saving a penalty in the final, while United struggled with their goalkeeping situation. Angel Di Maria, a Champions League final man of the match, was sold to PSG after one disappointing season, later winning the World Cup with Argentina.
These departures highlight a pattern of United failing to harness the potential of players they already had. The club's tendency to chase shiny new signings while letting go of proven performers has cost them dearly.
