From Reds to Riches: Which Ex-Manchester United Players Performed this Weekend?

From Reds to Riches: Which Ex-Manchester United Players Performed this Weekend?

“Glory, glory Man United” is what they sing at Old Trafford, yet it seems the only way a Red Devil can achieve success in the present day is by moving away. The Carrington alumni continue to expand yearly, going on to enjoy new pastures, and yet again, more ex-Reds performed over the weekend.

When will the pain end, eh Reds?

Fresh Debutants Start their Stories

Christian Eriksen was a fan favourite in the North West, despite never recapturing the Premier League form we all watched at Tottenham Hotspur. The Dane left the club this summer after over 100 appearances in a Manchester United shirt and was announced as a VfL Wolfsburg player last week. Today, he made his first appearance for the Wolves against Borussia Dortmund, coming off the bench to make his Bundesliga debut aged 33.

Anthony Martial’s nine-year stint in England already seems a distant dream, even though it only came to a close last year. The Frenchman is already at his second club since departing Old Trafford. After a holiday in Athens, Martial has now left Europe to sign for Mexican giants Monterrey.

The 29-year-old should still be savouring his prime years, but instead finds himself in a La Liga care home, playing with Sergio Ramos, Oliver Torres, Sergio Canales, and Lucas Ocampos. One thing that cannot be denied in Mexico is the country's incredible fans. Martial made his debut in front of over 50,000 in the beautiful Estadio BBVA in a crunch match against top-of-the-table rivals, Club America. Maybe it's not so bad after all.

Anthony Martial Rayados Debut

Monterrey vs Club America 25/26 (H) pic.twitter.com/ZbP8OXTsab

— 11tial (@11tial) September 21, 2025

Betis Brigade Star in La Liga Win

Eight of the eleven who lined up for Real Betis on Friday night had been at a Premier League player in the last four years. Manuel Pellegrini has built a squad from England’s excess to take on La Liga, and so far, they’ve smashed it.

Antony and Sofyan Amrabat are the two in Seville with Manchester United in their blood. It was Amrabat’s first start for Betis since joining the club earlier this month. The Moroccan international played the full 90 minutes, making eight recoveries and maintaining 100% accuracy in all three of his long balls.

Media Day for Antony & Amrabat 🫡 pic.twitter.com/jdXhA1d2Wl

— Real Betis Balompié (@RealBetis_en) September 16, 2025

Antony’s fruitful attacking form in Spain is no secret; whilst the winger did not score this time round, he created three chances, had four shots, and six defensive contributions. Hardly a bad day at the office for the 25-year-old. Betis move up to 5th in La Liga after their win over Sociedad. A midweek clash with Nottingham Forest in the Europa League awaits next, in what will be an intriguing continental affair.

Former Reds’ Gloves Still Golden

Andre Onana’s loan move to Turkey’s Northern Coast has freed the Cameroonian keeper from the harsh claws that wrap around those who take on the challenge between Man U’s goal posts. The goalkeeper was often known for his comical errors, but he never as a creative output. This weekend, Onana showed that he could also set up goals, and not just concede them, with his assist in Trabzonspor’s 1-1 draw with Gaziantep.

Onana collected the ball at his feet, took a few touches, and launched the ball from deep into his own half up to big, tall Paul Onuachu, who used his presence to fight off opposing defenders and the goalkeeper to chip the ball into an empty net. A brilliant way to win over the home crowd at Papara Park.

✨ Meanwhile in Turkey, André Onana has got an assist for Trabzonspor. 🌊 pic.twitter.com/qOwIiBS2Rc

— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) September 20, 2025

Unlike Onana, Dean Henderson always felt like an unanswered question at Manchester United, never given the chance to fully make the goalkeeping position his. Now a hero at Selhurst Park, Henderson has kept five clean sheets in seven games for Crystal Palace this season. The South London outfit are ahead of Manchester United in the Premier League table, having conceded six fewer goals than the Red Devils.

The Eagles picked up a PL win once again this weekend over West Ham United, and with their recent glory in the FA Cup, it's safe to say Henderson made the right decision to get out of Old Trafford whilst he still could…

Not a Sniff in Manchester, but a Starter for Madrid’s Galacticos

Calling Alvaro Carreras an ex-Manchester United player is like calling that former situationship of yours an ex-girlfriend; it never really happened. Especially when, just like Carreras, she went crawling back to her ex in the end. Carreras left Real Madrid in 2020 to test himself in Manchester, but would go on to make a grand total of zero appearances for the club.

After impressing on loan at Benfica, Carreras would head back to Spain’s capital for well over £40 million. An expensive buyback, but outstanding profit for the Red Devils. Carreras has started all six of Real Madrid’s competitive fixtures this season, keeping three clean sheets. It was the same story once again this weekend, as Los Blancos shut out Espanyol to accomplish a 2-0 win.

Alvaro Carreras vs Espanyol:

- 90 minutes
- 121 touches
- 92% passing accuracy
- 2 key passes
- 3 clearances
- 3 long balls
- 2 interceptions
- 1 tackle
- 7 duels won
- 4 fouls drawn

Made in La Fabrica 🤍 pic.twitter.com/zLu7JWhNmt

— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) September 20, 2025

Carreras made 87 passes against Espanyol, winning six ground duels and making 12 passes into the final third. Raising the question, why did the 22-year-old leave Madrid in the first place?

It’s worth noting that Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund do not feature for Napoli until Monday evening, in the Azzurri’s Serie A clash with Pisa. Marcus Rashford is predicted to start in Barcelona’s clash with Getafe later today, looking to build on his game-winning brace at Newcastle on Thursday. A trio of players enjoying their time away from the cold, cold North of England, basking in the Mediterranean sun.