With Manchester United struggling this season, all eyes were on them in the January transfer window. Despite hope of new signings, it was the Manchester United January departures that caught the eye. We’ve looked closer at how they’re performing since leaving Old Trafford.
Despite optimism around Old Trafford when Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag, things haven’t gone to plan. The club sit 14th in the Premier League and looks unlikely to qualify for Europe unless they win the Europa League.
Given their poor performances, a lot has been made of the Manchester United January departure decisions. The examination of these departures has been exemplified by the fact it was Amorim’s first window and a sign of how the future would look under him.
Manchester United January departures
Three first-team players were allowed to leave Old Trafford on loan in the winter window.
The most eye-catching was the decision to allow academy product, Marcus Rashford, to leave the club. Rashford has been with the club since 2005 and played 426 times for the first team.
The decision appeared to be because of Rashford’s mentality and commitment. Several times Amorim made comments about this and ultimately, Rashford joined Aston Villa on loan.
Another of the loan leavers was Antony. The Brazilian never lived up to the hype when he joined Manchester United. The winger joined La Liga side, Real Betis.
Finally, Tyrell Malacia departed on loan to the Dutch side, PSV. Malacia has struggled with injuries since joining in 2022 and has played just 47 times for the Red Devils.
But how have these three faired since leaving Man United in January?
Marcus Rashford
The first Manchester United January departure to examine is Rashford. His departure appeared to be a clear statement from Amorim – put in 100% or you’re out, no matter who you are.
The 27-year-old featured 15 times for United before leaving the club for Villa on loan. In those 15 games, he scored four times and grabbed one assist. He received an average rating of 6.72 from WhoScored.
In comparison, Rashford has received an average rating of 7.12 in four appearances for Villa. Most notably he claimed two assists in their win against Chelsea at Villa Park.
Offensively, he appears to be thriving at Villa already. He’s averaging 1.8 key passes per game, compared to just one for Manchester United. Rashford’s also completed 1.5 dribbles per game, compared to just 0.6 for United.
It’s worth noting the sample size at Villa is small, given he’s only been there just over a month. However, it looks like the Rashford of old might be returning – leaving question marks over what’s next for the England forward?
Antony
Antony’s departure appeared to be more likely. The 25-year-old played just eight games for the Red Devils in the Premier League – all from the bench. He failed to score or assist and received an average rating of 6.32 from WhoScored.
Since joining Spanish side Real Betis, Antony has been flying. In five games, he’s scored two goals, as well claiming two assists. The Brazilian’s performances have earned him an average rating of 7.19.
Known for his dazzling feet and passing ability from his time at Ajax, Antony seems to have got his love for the game back. He’s completed 2.2 key passes per game for Betis, compared to just 0.4 for Man United.
Antony’s also seen his xG increase while at Real Betis. In his opening five games, his xG is up to 0.95, compared to 0.77 for Man United.
The sample size for Antony at both clubs is much more similar compared to the sample size for Rashford. However, with it still being early days in his loan spell, it’s hard to tell how the season will end for him.
Tyrell Malacia
The last of the Manchester United January departures to examine is Malacia to PSV. It appeared sensible to send the left back out on loan given his injury issues and the incoming Patrick Dorgu.
Malacia made just three Premier League appearances this season. His performances weren’t eye-catching and received an average WhoScored rating of 6.02.
Since joining PSV he’s played just twice in the Eredivisie and received an average rating of 6.79 – offering some hope he’s regaining his best after injury.
His defensive statistics have improved since the move back to Holland. Malacia’s completed one tackle per game, compared to 0.7 for Man United and his interceptions per game have increased slightly from 0.3 to 0.5.
Malacia might be the only one out of these three to have a chance of reviving his Manchester United career. Although he’ll have to compete with Dorgu when he returns but if Malacia can regain form while at PSV, he’ll have the chance to impress over the summer.