A lot has changed at Manchester United since David de Gea joined the club from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2011.
De Gea was signed as a direct replacement for the outgoing Edwin van der Sar and made his debut against Chicago Fire in a pre-season friendly.
We’ve taken a look at the United team from that game to see where they all are today.
GK: David de Gea
After completing his £17million move to United, De Gea initially struggled to cope with the physical rigours of English football.
He then bulked up and developed into one of the best goalkeepers in the world, winning United’s Player of the Year award a record four times.
The Spain international has made over 450 appearances during his 11 years at United, surpassing Peter Schmeichel’s record for an overseas player.
He had some difficult years under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but rediscovered his best form in 2021-22, fighting off competition from Dean Henderson to remain United’s No.1.
RB: Fabio (Jonny Evans, 45)
Despite playing in the 2011 Champions League final against Barcelona, Fabio never really established himself as a first-team regular at United.
The full-back had spells at Cardiff City and Middlesbrough before joining Ligue 1 side Nantes in 2018, where he remains to this day.
Evans has rediscovered his best form since leaving United in 2015, impressing for both West Brom and Leicester City. He’s made over 100 appearances for the Foxes and helped them win the FA Cup for the first time in their history.
CB: Phil Jones (Nemanja Vidic, 75)
Jones joined United alongside De Gea in the summer of 2011 and was regarded as one of the best young prospects in world football.
“Jones, arguably the way he is looking, could be our best ever player,” Sir Alex Ferguson said in 2013. “I think Jones may be one of the best players we have ever had, no matter where we play him. At 21 years of age, he is going to be a phenomenal player.”
The centre-back is still on United’s books but has failed to live up to those lofty expectations, making just 13 appearances over the last three seasons.
After deciding to leave the Red Devils in 2014, Vidic saw out his playing career with an injury-plagued 18-month stint at Inter Milan.
READ: 15 of the best quotes on Nemanja Vidic: ‘He scared centre-forwards to death’
CB: Chris Smalling (Rafael, 75)
Smalling established himself as a regular in the United side throughout the 2010s, most notably shining during Louis van Gaal’s reign.
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