Man United have endured some horror shows in the transfer market since Sir Alex Ferguson retired
Can you believe it has been more than 10 years since Sir Alex Ferguson announced his retirement following another Premier League triumph?
Well, for Manchester United fans, it has probably felt longer. A decade has passed since English football’s greatest-ever dynasty came to an end. Since then, United have relinquished their status as European powerhouses and have faced an uphill battle to regain that tag.
Fumble after fumble in the transfer market has been largely to blame for the Reds’ woes. The club have spent a staggering amount on players since Sir Alex retired but it’s been haphazard.
ALSO READ: ‘I was wrong’ – what Premier League rivals have said about United this season
With the summer window now shut, Manchester Evening News has ranked the 10 worst signings of the post-Ferguson era.
10. Harry Maguire – £80million
United have not had their money’s worth. Eyebrows were raised when Old Trafford chiefs broke the bank to sign the defender from Leicester City. After a promising start, Maguire’s form soon took a tumble. The 30-year-old has unfairly become somewhat of an internet meme in the ensuing years and is way down the pecking order under Erik ten Hag.
9. Fred – £52million
Shakhtar Donetsk somehow managed to squeeze £52million out of United for Fred. The Brazil international did enjoy a few decent outings for the club but value for money he certainly wasn’t.
8. Radamel Falcao – loan
The only loan signing on the list. United thought they had signed one of the world’s best but the move never worked out. In total, the deal cost the club around £9million in loan fees and wages.
7. Memphis Depay – £25million
Depay has been a revelation at every club he has represented – except United. Louis van Gaal had managed the Dutchman at international level but the reunion was no fairytale and Depay made just 33 Premier League appearances for the Reds.
6. Romelu Lukaku – £75million
Lukaku was supposed to be a guaranteed win and, early on, he was. The Belgian bagged seven goals in as many games to get his United career off to a great start but that was as good as it got. By the time Ole Gunnar Solskjaer replaced Jose Mourinho, the striker was a forgotten man. He has since become somewhat of a footballing journeyman while continuing to score goals.
5. Angel Di Maria – £59million
One of the finest players of his generation, Di Maria just did not settle in England. He had his moments but the less said about his stint, the better.
4. Jadon Sancho – £73million
After a frustrating first two years at Old Trafford things have just got a whole lot worse. Sancho and Ten Hag are currently embroiled in a public spat. United fans have seen little since his arrival to support his fee.
3. Paul Pogba – £90million
The Frenchman’s inclusion on this list is attributed to his price tag. Pogba won trophies at United, albeit not the major honours, but showcased his potential. Allowing Pogba to leave on a free transfer to Juventus before paying a world-record transfer fee, only to let him join the same club for nothing again six years later, was a remarkably bad piece of business.
2. Donny van de Beek – £34million
Van de Beek is the forgotten man at United. His Reds career has been nothing short of a nightmare and he could soon be on his way to the Turkish top flight.
1. Alexis Sanchez – £30million
A disaster from day one. Mourinho seemingly signed one of the Premier League’s best players in January 2018, with Sanchez enjoying four stellar campaigns at Arsenal. For a player who seemed desperate to move, the Chilean looked disinterested and a shadow of his former self.
