OTD in 2016: Rashford sends Manchester United into FA Cup semi-finals, where are his teammates now?

Since the Sir Alex Ferguson era, Manchester United have had four permanent managers, each signing different players to suit different styles. Since United's FA Cup quarter-final triumph against West Ham United, we take a look at where that starting 11 is now. 

OTD in 2016: Rashford sends Manchester United into FA Cup semi-finals, where are his teammates now?
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 13: Marcus Rashford of Manchester United scores their first goal during the Emirates FA Cup Sixth Round replay match between West Ham United and Manchester United at Boleyn Ground on April 13, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Tom Purslow/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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By Brad Cox

Four years ago Manchester United beat West Ham United 2-1 in the FA Cup quarter-final thanks to then-new starlet Marcus Rashford and a goal from Marouane Fellaini. 

This FA Cup run would see United win the domestic trophy against Crystal Palace and Louis van Gaal would be sacked just one day later. 

So where are the starting 11 players now? 

1. David De Gea

The Spanish international has made 394 appearances for the club and has 138 clean sheets. Despite numerous occasions where the goalkeeping star was linked with a move away to Real Madrid, De Gea remains the main man between the sticks for United.

51. Timothy Fosu-Mensah

Fosu-Mensah has had an injury-ridden career since he broke through the ranks into the first team under Van Gaal. The Dutch right-back had loan spells with Crystal Palace and Fulham but could hardly get any game time. The Manchester Evening News has reported that United triggered his one-year contract extension last week. 

12. Chris Smalling

A moment which springs to mind immediately when thinking about Chris Smalling is his winning-volley against Manchester City in the 3-2 win at the Etihad to prevent City winning the league against United. Since then United have brought in centre-backs Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof who have formed a strong partnership. Smalling was loaned out to AS Roma and has had an impressive season with 21 appearances in Serie A with six clean sheets. 

17. Daley Blind

Daley Blind's United career didn't go to plan either as the manager who brought him in (Van Gaal) was sacked. Blind and Van Gaal had a strong connection from the 2014 FIFA World Cup where the pair helped Holland reach the semi-finals. Blind played very little under Jose Mourinho and felt a move back to his home country would up his confidence. Blind was diagnosed with a heart condition late in 2019 but did return to training with Ajax in February of 2020. 

5. Marcos Rojo

Marcos Rojo never really got going for United, his lack of composure always posed a risk at the back and failed to withhold the trust of his managers. Rojo was sent out on loan in the January transfer window to his boyhood club Estudiantes in Argentina. 

16. Michael Carrick

'It's Carrick you know, it's hard to believe it's not Scholes!' was a United chant which gained the well-deserved recognition for the English midfielder whose performances sometimes flew under the radar. Michael Carrick retired in 2018 after making 481 appearances in the Premier League. Carrick then went on to become assistant manager of Mourinho's side and is now on the coaching staff under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. 

35. Jesse Lingard

Jesse Lingard scored the FA Cup-winning goal in extra time against London side, Crystal Palace. Lingard experienced an incredible run of form back in the 2017/2018 campaign but has now failed to score in the league for over a year. At the age of 27, it will be interesting to see if he wants to continue to fight for a place in a strong United midfield or if he seeks a move away from Old Trafford

27. Marouane Fellaini

The 6' 4" Belgian international was signed by manager David Moyes and never seemed like a real United signing. There is no doubt that Marouane Fellaini scored some incredibly important goals for United. Fellaini scored in the semi-final against his former club, Everton, before Anthony Martial scored the winner in injury time. Fellaini also scored the only goal in the semi-final second leg of the Europa League against Celta Vigo to send United to the final where United would beat Ajax 2-0However, Solskjaer didn't see Fellaini in his plans and shipped him off to Shandong Luneng Taishan in the Chinese Super League. Fellaini has recently tested positive for Coronavirus but has told fans he is "getting stronger" via social media. 

21. Ander Herrera

Arguably the most passionate player the club has seen in recent years, Ander Herrera left the club in 2019 for a move to French giants, Paris Saint Germain. Herrera signed a massive five-year deal earning £350,000-a-week, which was the main reason United could not afford to hold onto him. The loss of Herrera meant that United midfielders would have to step up, Fred and Scott McTominay have done just that. Herrera sent United to the FA Cup final in 2018 with a strike against Tottenham Hotspur. The Spanish international unfortunately couldn't add a second FA Cup trophy to his name as United were beaten by Chelsea 1-0. 

9. Anthony Martial

Martial has made 208 appearances for the club and scored 64 goals. The French striker is currently enjoying his most successful league campaign with 11 goals and three assists. Martial stepped up when United needed him most this season with the unfortunate injury to Rashford. Martial's contract has four more years with the option to extend a further year. 

39. Marcus Rashford

The 2015/2016 season was when Rashford burst onto the scene with a double on his senior debut against FC Midtjylland and a brace on his Premier League debut against Arsenal. He continued that form into the quarter-final against West Ham when he put the Red Devils in the lead after 54 minutes. At just the age of 22, Rashford has become one of the most important first-team members. He has already made 202 appearances for the club and has 64 goals to his name. Rashford has suffered an extended period of time on the sidelines this season with a back injury but with the season paused due to Coronavirus he is expected to be fit and healthy if the season was to restart.