Manchester United has been home to some incredible talent, but for certain players, their peak moments in the red jersey were followed by impressive performances elsewhere because of the poor performance of Erik Ten Hag. Let’s dive into the United highlights and new heights achieved by Jadon Sancho, Cristiano Ronaldo, and David De Gea.

1. Jadon Sancho

Jadon Sancho joined United from Borussia Dortmund in 2021 with high expectations. His standout moment came against Liverpool in August 2022 when he scored a crucial goal in a 2-1 victory at Old Trafford. This win was significant as it lifted United’s spirits and showcased Sancho’s dribbling and finishing skills against a top rival.

At Chelsea, where he is currently on loan from Manchester United as of 2024, Sancho has yet to reach the level expected of him. His integration into Chelsea’s squad has been slow, which is partially attributed to Chelsea’s adjustment period and ongoing attempts to find a stable formation. Sancho’s situation reflects the challenges that can arise when players switch clubs, particularly if the tactical systems or managerial styles differ significantly. His statistics indicate a need for improved adaptation to Chelsea’s setup to recapture the form he showed earlier in his career at Borussia Dortmund, where he was one of the Bundesliga’s most promising talents.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo

Upon returning to United in 2021, Ronaldo wasted no time making an impact. His standout game was in April 2022, scoring a hat-trick against Norwich City in a 3-2 win, demonstrating his continued ability to deliver match-winning performances and saving the team many times in the last minutes from expelling from the competition. In the 2021-22 season, Ronaldo scored 18 Premier League goals, proving his value at age 37 in a challenging league.

After moving to Saudi pro League due an intense issues with the manager, Cristiano Ronaldo has had an impressive run with Al Nassr, scoring a total of 72 goals in 81 appearances since joining the club in January 2023​. His performance in the Saudi Pro League has been particularly noteworthy, where he has netted 55 goals in 54 matches. ​In addition to his league accomplishments, Ronaldo has also excelled in the AFC Champions League, contributing 7 goals and 2 assists in 11 appearances, demonstrating his ability to perform on the continental stage​. His overall statistics include an impressive 1.02 goals per game and a striking 85.5 minutes per goal, showcasing his efficiency​.

3. David De Gea

De Gea’s time at United, spanning over a decade, saw numerous heroic performances. One of his most memorable games came against Tottenham in January 2019, where he made an astonishing 11 saves in a single match to secure a 1-0 victory. His performances in the 2022-23 season were also commendable, helping United secure a top-four finish and clinching the Golden Glove award with 17 clean sheets. De Gea’s performances were pivotal in United’s success, contributing significantly to their top-four finish in the league and their victory in the Carabao Cup, where they defeated Newcastle 2-0. His standout moment included a crucial penalty save against Fulham on the final day of the season, which was considered a turning point in that match​. By the end of the season, he had also become the record appearance-holder for a goalkeeper at the club, surpassing legendary figures like Peter Schmeichel​.

As of now, David De Gea has made his debut for Fiorentina in the 2024/25 season. Here are his current statistics:

• Matches Played: 7
• Goals Conceded: 6
• Clean Sheets: 3

De Gea joined Fiorentina after leaving Manchester United and is now looking to make a significant impact in Serie A. His early performances have shown a solid foundation, with a decent number of clean sheets, indicating his experience and skills are translating well to his new environment.

These players’ successes both at United and in new ventures highlight their undeniable talent and adaptability. While their circumstances differ, each story speaks to the importance of the right environment for a player’s growth and performance. For Manchester United, it serves as a reminder of the diverse ways talent can thrive, both within and beyond the walls of Old Trafford.