Jose Mourinho's pragmatic approach to coaching Manchester United has won him few accolades, the FC panel give their thoughts.

"Where can you go after Manchester United? Probably there's only Real Madrid. Any other thing isn't the same."

Ruud van Nistelrooy was talking in 2010, four years after leaving Old Trafford, having joined Hamburg from Real Madrid. The Dutch striker was exploring a familiar, time-honoured adage that certainly applied during the glory years under Sir Alex Ferguson (with the exception of Barcelona's Gerard Pique) but since the Scot retired in 2013, no longer rings true.

As United spend fortunes in pursuing similar successes, many of their former players are proving there is indeed life after Old Trafford.

Tom Heaton, 30 (Burnley)

The last United youth product to claim a regular first-team goalkeeping spot was Gary Walsh in the 1986-87 season, so Heaton's chances were always scarce. Released in 2010 after not making a single first-team appearance, Heaton made his way to Burnley in 2013 via Cardiff and Bristol City.

He has been key in two Championship promotions and captained the Clarets since the summer of 2015. He also made his England debut against Australia in May and was a member of the 23-man Euro 2016 squad.

Danny Simpson, 29 (Leicester City)...... ‹‹‹ read more ››› www.sportblitznews.com