6 Man Utd stars Scholes said had bright futures in 2020 - and where they are now
The post-Sir Alex Ferguson era at Manchester United has been incredibly underwhelming for an expectant Old Trafford faithful.
What's worse is there have been so many false dawns in that period. So many moments where it looked as if the Red Devils had turned a corner, as well as several players tipped to be the next saviour to help restore the club to its former glories.
Back in 2020, United legend Paul Scholes identified six players who he felt had a bright future at Old Trafford and could help turn the tide after some miserable years, many of which were spent watching local rivals Manchester City win the Premier League time and time again.
Speaking during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's reign as boss, Scholes claimed: "The future's bright, I think Ole is doing really well, he's got a really good attacking team.
"You think of the players you've got, [Anthony] Martial, [Marcus] Rashford, [Bruno] Fernandes, [Paul] Pogba when he's back, [Scott] McTominay – really good young players – [Brandon] Williams coming into it. I think it's a really exciting time." Well, four years on Mirror Football has reviewed that assessment to see how each player has fared in the time that has passed.
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Anthony Martial
Anthony Martial is likely to leave United at the end of the current campaign (PA)Though Martial remains at the club, it is almost certain that the current campaign will be his final one spent as a United player. Given the Frenchman arrived as the most expensive teenager in football history, it is hard to argue against the claim he has underwhelmed.
In more than 300 appearances for the Red Devils, under the guidance of five different managers, Martial has scored just 90 goals across all competitions. A hefty amount of time spent on the sidelines with injuries hasn't helped, but the former Monaco man has failed to live up to the hype that greeted his signing back in 2015.
Marcus Rashford
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford (Getty Images)Undeniably the most successful player on this list in terms of what he's achieved at United, Rashford remains an integral part of United's first-choice starting line-up. Last term saw the England ace net 17 league goals, as well him helping end a six-year trophy drought by winning the Carabao Cup.
With that being said, even Rashford has not been exempt from the odd mistake. Just recently he was disciplined by the club for failing to report to training after a night out in Belfast. However, more often than not the 26-year-old can deliver the goods when his side need him most.
Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes is currently Man United's captain (Getty Images)Not far behind Rashford in terms of love from the United faithful, very few of the post-Ferguson signings have had anywhere near the impact Fernandes has. Purchased just months before Scholes' claim, the Portugal international has since established himself as one of the Premier League's most talented midfielders.
Not only that, but the former Sporting star now dons the captain's armband for United. Fernandes is not without his faults, many fans and pundits alike have questioned his attitude and leadership qualities, but he is a mainstay in the starting eleven and is recognised as one of the senior voices.
Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba and Jose Mourinho fell out at Manchester United (Chris Brunskill/Getty Images)Pogba's story at United is one of what could have been. Few midfielders that have donned the famous red shirt could claim to boast the talent of the France ace, but for one reason or another things never seemed to click during his second stint at the club.
Whether it be injury problems of fall-outs with managers (Jose Mourinho), or even playing alongside a team-mate who couldn't 'unlock' Pogba's full potential, the bottom line is he failed to make the grade under multiple coaches.
Nowadays, he can be found on the treatment table at Juventus after rejoining the Italian giants on a free following the end of his United contract in 2022.
Scott McTominay
Scott McTominay has scored seven league goals for Man United this season (Getty Images)A divisive talent, McTominay has seen his United career get a second wind under current boss Erik ten Hag. Before the Dutchman arrived, for what felt like years the midfield partnership of McTominay and Fred was the subject of huge ridicule and often found lacking in the biggest games.
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However, this season has seen McTominay come to United's rescue late on in games on more than one occasion. He is currently the club's leading goalscorer in the league, with seven strikes to his name
Brandon Williams
Brandon Williams' best days at Man United came under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (PA)Williams' United career started brightly enough. Tipped to be Luke Shaw's successor, the Red Devils academy graduate looked like someone who could thrive surrounded by more senior figures.
However, things didn't play out as many, including Scholes expected and Williams is currently in the middle of a second loan spell away from Old Trafford.
The first came in the form of an underwhelming one with Norwich, but nowadays he can be found lining up for their arch-enemies Ipswich Town under the watchful eye of former United coach Kieran McKenna. It is unlikely that he will return to dislodge Shaw anytime soon.
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