Janice R. Andrews
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s time as Manchester United manager came to an end in November 2021, following a heavy 4-1 loss to Watford. With Solskjaer at the helm, Manchester United struggled, and this defeat was the final nail in the coffin. Three years later, let’s take a look at what has happened to the players who featured in that game.
GK: David de Gea
Once hailed as one of the top goalkeepers in the Premier League, De Gea’s performance levels dipped alongside Manchester United’s form. After leaving in 2023, he remained a free agent for nearly a year before signing with Fiorentina in Italy’s Serie A. His form has seen better days, but the Spaniard aims to make a resurgence in his new chapter.
RB: Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Wan-Bissaka, Solskjaer’s first signing in 2019, was a consistent defender at Old Trafford, though his attacking limitations were evident. In 2024, he moved to West Ham for £15 million, leaving United fans in awe with an unexpected attacking display during his debut for the Hammers. A moment that left many asking why he didn’t do the same at United.
CB: Victor Lindelof
Signed under Jose Mourinho, Lindelof remains a key player three years later. Now in his eighth season with United, Lindelof has weathered numerous criticisms but continues to play a role due to defensive injuries. In 2023, he activated a contract extension to stay with the club until 2025.
CB: Harry Maguire
Maguire, United’s £80 million signing, has had a career marked by highs and lows. Despite making over 200 appearances, the England international has been the subject of jokes and praise alike. Although he now plays second fiddle to Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt, Maguire has regained his spot in England’s squad for Euro 2024 qualifying.
LB: Luke Shaw
Following De Gea’s departure, Shaw is now the longest-serving player at Manchester United. Signed in 2014, Shaw’s time has been riddled with injuries, but when fit, he has remained a key figure. After being subbed off due to injury in Solskjaer’s final game, Shaw has continued to be an important squad member.
LB Sub: Diogo Dalot
Dalot, who replaced Shaw during that infamous match, has become a reliable option for United, especially since Rangnick’s arrival. He has made over 165 appearances, becoming one of United’s more consistent performers.
CM: Nemanja Matic
Matic, a solid but polarizing figure in United’s midfield, left in 2022. Since then, the Serbian has had stints at Roma and Rennes before joining Lyon in Ligue 1. His pace may have waned, but his experience continues to serve him well.
CM: Scott McTominay
McTominay, a product of United’s youth academy, left for Napoli in 2024. Although not a guaranteed starter, he was always considered a dependable player. In Serie A, McTominay has already netted his first goal in a 5-0 win over Palermo.
CM Sub: Donny van de Beek
Van de Beek’s United career never took off after his 2020 move from Ajax. By 2024, he left for Girona, hoping to rediscover his form after years of warming the bench. While he has yet to recapture the brilliance he showed at Ajax, a fresh start in La Liga might just be the opportunity he needs.
RW: Jadon Sancho
Sancho’s £73 million move to United hasn’t lived up to expectations. Struggles with form and a public fallout with Erik ten Hag have seen him loaned out to Chelsea for the 2024-25 season, where he’s impressed early on, reminding fans why he was such a sought-after talent.
RW Sub: Jesse Lingard
Lingard’s career post-United has taken a few unexpected turns. After an unsuccessful stint at Nottingham Forest, he moved to FC Seoul in South Korea. Criticized for lack of effort, Lingard has bounced back and scored four goals in the K-League.
CAM: Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes remains one of the most productive players in Manchester United’s squad. With 149 goal contributions in 242 games, Fernandes has taken over as club captain and continues to be instrumental in their efforts to return to glory.
LW: Marcus Rashford
Rashford has become a cornerstone of the post-Ferguson Manchester United era. With 134 goals in 411 appearances, Rashford’s contributions remain vital, even though his form can be inconsistent. When he’s firing, the entire team plays better.
LW Sub: Anthony Martial
Martial’s United career ended in frustration as injuries and inconsistent performances left fans disappointed. In 2024, he joined AEK Athens, hoping to reignite his career after years of stagnation at Old Trafford.
ST: Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo’s second spell at United was a blend of personal success and team struggles. Despite scoring 18 league goals in the 2021-22 season, Ronaldo’s relationship with the club soured, and he left for Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr in 2022 after a controversial interview. Even at 39, Ronaldo continues to score at a remarkable rate.
In the three years since Solskjaer’s departure, the players from his final match have taken different paths. Some remain at Old Trafford, while others have sought new adventures. Their legacies, however, are still tied to that fateful day in November 2021, marking a significant moment in Manchester United’s modern history.
