From the day he walked in the door, Erik ten Hag has gone about making big changes at Manchester United.
We've seen the fruits of his labour as United ended their trophy drought by lifting the Carabao Cup and, though they have started to fade as injuries and a gruelling schedule have taken their toll, are still on course to return to Champions League football as well. Ten Hag had a massive job on his hands after inheriting a mess of a side that suffered its worst-ever Premier League finish in the previous campaign.
The task started with a big summer clearout and here is how the first eight players to leave under Ten Hag's reign have done this season.
Also read: Garnacho could get a chance to respond to Ten Hag's challenge
Paul Pogba
Things could not have gone much worse for Paul Pogba following his unceremonious departure. The midfielder's second United exit provoked less anguish than his first in 2012 as he once again swapped Manchester for Turin.
However, his second stint at Juventus got off to a terrible start as he suffered a serious meniscal injury in pre-season that saw him miss the rest of 2022 including the World Cup. His first comeback to the bench was met by a setback and after making just two substitute cameos he suffered yet another injury after tearing a muscle. He is now back fit but is yet to start a game and has made just eight appearances.
Andreas Pereira
Most supporters were glad to see the back of Andreas Pereira when he joined Fulham in a £9million move after a largely underwhelming tenure at the club. Yet, the Brazilian has surprised everyone by proving himself to be a very good Premier League player and enjoying an excellent season.
He has been one of the key players for a resurgent Cottagers side on their return to the top flight, starting every game he has been available for and contributing five goals and six assists. Sadly, he suffered a season-ending ankle injury against Manchester City at the end of April.
Juan Mata
It looked for a time that fan favourite Juan Mata may stay at the club for one final season. He remained in talks with the club upon the arrival of Ten Hag but it was finally announced the Spanish maestro would depart in June.
The wisened playmaker headed, as so many ageing Premier League stars do, over to Turkey to sign for giants Galatasaray. Mata has played a bit-part role in Istanbul, starting just four of his 16 appearances, but has managed to bag three goals.
Jesse Lingard
Following a nearly two-decade association with United, academy graduate Jesse Lingard finally said goodbye after 232 appearances and several crucial goals, leaving upon the expiration of his contract.
Lingard was snapped up by Premier League newcomers Nottingham Forest but the forward hasn't had much of an impact at the City Ground. His only goals have come in the Carabao Cup and he has only played an hour of Premier League football in 2023.
Nemanja Matic
It came as quite a shock when early in 2022 Nemanja Matic announced he would be leaving Old Trafford at the end of the season as many presumed his contract ran for a further year, though it later transpired United could trigger a clause to end it early.
The Serbian bruiser headed to Italy to once again play under Jose Mourinho. It's the third time he has been managed by the Portuguese following spells at Chelsea and United and he remains a regular starter.
Edinson Cavani
Given how the season has gone, United perhaps could have done with keeping a striker of Edinson Cavan's aptitude around but a departure at the end of his contract was never really in doubt after a mostly-absent final campaign.
The veteran forward took his long career to Spain and signed for Valencia on a free but things haven't gone to plan. Though Cavani has done reasonably well with seven goals and two assists, Valencia have suffered a remarkable fall from grace and are still embroiled in a relegation battle. They currently only sit outside of the drop zone on goal difference.
Tahith Chong
After impressing on loan at Birmingham City last season, young winger Tahith Chong earned a permanent switch to the Second City for a nominal fee. The Dutchman was a regular fixture in the side, with four goals and five assists, as Birmingham comfortably avoided relegation.
Lee Grant
Lee Grant had been United's designated third-choice goalkeeper after joinnig on a free transfer from Stoke City in 2018. However, he finally hung up his glove after two appearances at Old Trafford at the end of last season.
The 40-year-old then travelled to East Anglia to link up with former United coach Kieran McKenna at Ipswich Town as a first-team coach. The Tractor Boys enjoyed a great season in League One and earned automatic promotion to the Championship.
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