Top 5 players who became better after leaving Manchester United

#4 Diego Forlan

Forlan was one of Atletico's many fantastic forwards of this century.

It never really clicked for the Uruguayan legend during his time in Manchester and Forlan, unfortunately, became a bit of a joke figure for Premier League fans. He managed only 17 goals in almost 100 appearances across all competitions, and even went his first whole season without scoring.

While Ruud van Nistelrooy blasted home goals each week, Forlan was left floundering on the substitutes bench. He did leave the club a Premier League and FA Cup winner, but his contribution to both was minimal.

He left for Spanish football in 2004 and his form immediately improved to incredible levels: in his first campaign at Villarreal, Forlan ended up securing the coveted Pichichi Trophy as La Liga's top marksman with 25 goals in 38 games.

Two more solid seasons filled with goals followed before Forlan moved up to Atletico Madrid where he only continued showing his talents. Another Pichichi Trophy was claimed by him in 2008/2009 after he managed 32 goals in just 33 league appearances, and in the following season, he was instrumental in Atletico winning the UEFA Europa League title.

He also excelled in captaining his home country to a surprising 2010 World Cup semi-final place and the player became admired by many for his creative ability and devastating finishing.

Forlan has been travelling around world football this decade, including a brief spell in the ISL with Mumbai City, but his time in Spain proved that Manchester United didn't get to see the best of him. In hindsight, he just didn't get into his rhythm in the Premier League.