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Manchester United ushered in a fresh era with Michael Carrick's first match in the dugout. The impressive win and outstanding display in last weekend's Manchester derby seemed a far cry from the gloomy atmosphere that characterised Ruben Amorim's spell in charge.

There had been some hope under the Portuguese head coach during the summer transfer window following United signing a new goalkeeper and attacking options. Amorim was also forthright about those he wanted to offload, with five players being excluded from his plans for the season.

This led to permanent transfers for Alejandro Garnacho and Antony to Chelsea and Real Betis, respectively. Marcus Rashford secured a loan switch to Barcelona and Jadon Sancho temporarily moved to Aston Villa, while Tyrell Malacia stayed at Old Trafford. Here's how the five players have responded since expressing a desire to leave United in the summer.

Carrick's appointment as interim manager signals a new beginning and potentially provides an opportunity for Rashford to rejoin his boyhood club. The striker rapidly lost favour under Amorim, moving to Villa last year before completing a summer loan switch to Barcelona.

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In October, when asked if he wished to remain with Barcelona, Rashford told ESPN: "Oh yeah, for sure. I'm enjoying this football club and I think for anybody who loves football, Barcelona is one of the key clubs in the history of the game. For a player it is an honour."

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Rashford has netted eight goals and provided 11 assists in 29 appearances for Barcelona, who can sign him permanently for £26million. Despite the 28-year-old confirming his wish to stay, new United boss Carrick offers hope that the situation may still change.

Rashford is familiar with the United manager, having shared the pitch with him on 48 occasions during his playing career. Until a permanent transfer to Barcelona is completed, there remains a possibility - albeit a remote one - that Rashford might opt to play under his former team-mate at Old Trafford.

The young winger's time at United seemed all but over following remarks he made after being left on the bench for last season's Europa League final. Garnacho did demonstrate moments of brilliance in a United jersey before Chelsea pounced to secure a £40m deal.

Like his former club, the 21-year-old has encountered a managerial change this season amid an inconsistent start at his new club. In 23 outings, Garnacho has found the net six times and contributed three assists across all competitions.

Antony is among the latest in a growing list of players who have improved after leaving Old Trafford. Having struggled to justify his substantial transfer fee at United, the Brazilian started to rediscover his best form during his loan stint at Real Betis last season.

The Spanish side waited until September to finalise a deal that could reach £21.6m but he's already proving to be excellent value for Betis. Antony has registered 15 goal contributions in 23 appearances for his new side, who are once more pursuing European football.

There was considerable fanfare when Jadon Sancho arrived from Borussia Dortmund in 2021 but the winger is currently on his third loan spell away from United. Chelsea paid United £5m to avoid making his transfer permanent in the summer, prompting the 25-year-old to join Aston Villa.

Sancho has yet to make a significant impression for Unai Emery's team, failing to score or provide an assist in his first 18 matches, though Villa's injury crisis could soon result in an extended run in the side. The attacker is currently in the final months of his United deal, but there is an option for a one-year extension.

Tyrell Malacia is another player approaching the end of his United contract. The defender was told he could look for opportunities elsewhere, having spent part of the previous season on loan at PSV Eindhoven.

However, the full-back stayed at United and was ultimately brought back into the first-team setup after working hard to return to fitness. The 26-year-old has regularly found himself as an unused substitute since being recalled to the squad, apart from a brief outing against Newcastle on Boxing Day.

While Carrick offers Malacia an opportunity to make an impression on a new coach, the Dutchman faces significant competition at left-back and has reportedly held talks over his future.

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