From Fred to Elanga: How Man Utd’s summer sales are performing this season

James Shearman

• 31 Mar 2024 15:46 BST
• 4 min read

Manchester United spent over €200 million on signings ahead of the 2023-24 season, meaning some players had to be let go to balance the books.

The Red Devils have struggled to sell players for good value in recent seasons and it was no different last summer.

Four senior players left the club, and all four would have commanded much larger fees at different times - a testament to how poorly the club is run.

FootballTransfers investigates how each of them has fared since leaving Old Trafford.

Dean Henderson - €17.5m to Crystal Palace

Having spent the 2019-20 season on loan at Sheffield United, helping them to a remarkable top half finish in the Premier League, Dean Henderson was worth at least double the €17.5m he was sold for in the summer.

However, by keeping him on the sidelines at Old Trafford, Henderson's reputation diminished to the point where he was no longer recognised as a quality Premier League standard goalkeeper.

After eventually being let go by United last summer, Henderson has struggled to cement his place as first-choice at Selhurst Park, with Sam Johnstone the preferred option in between the sticks. In total, Henderson has only made nine Premier League appearances for Palace, conceding 21 goals, and he is yet to keep a league clean sheet for the Eagles.

Anthony Elanga - €17.5m to Nottingham Forest

Anthony Elanga produced moments of magic in a United shirt but they were few and far between.

He was sold to Nottingham Forest last summer, for the same price as Henderson, and his consistency levels have somewhat improved.

Five goals and seven assists in 29 Premier League appearances for Forest is a brilliant tally and Elanga appears to have found a home at the City Ground.

Fred - €10m to Galatasaray

Fred was a solid performer for Man Utd over the years but, ultimately, he never quite lived up to expectations.

The 31-year-old departed the club for Fenerbahce last summer and his new side are currently second in the Turkish top flight table after 30 matches.

Injury problems have limited Fred to 26 appearances in all competitions, but he has scored two goals and laid on seven assists in a productive first season at Fenerbahce.

Alex Telles - €5m to Al-Nassr

Alex Telles was one of many players to leave Europe for Saudi Arabia last summer.

He joined up with Man Utd legend Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, although they are set to miss out on the Saudi Pro League title to Al-Hilal.

From Erik ten Hag's point of view, letting go of Telles has turned out to be a mistake, given Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia's injury troubles this season, while the Brazilian has performed well in the Middle East.