Top 3 Best & Worst Manchester United Transfers in Recent Years!


In the past 10 years, Manchester United has made several transfers that have had a significant impact on the team’s performance. Some signings turned out to be incredibly successful, which elevated the team to new heights, while others proved to be costly mistakes. Here, we will explore the top 3 best and worst Manchester United transfers in recent years, highlighting the players who left a lasting legacy and those who fell short of expectations.

Overview of the Transfers:

Transfer NameTransfer FeeArrival YearReason for Success/Failure
Edwin van der Sar£2 million2005Lackluster performances struggled to find a place in the team, forgettable tenure.
Owen Hargreaves£17 million2007Plagued by injuries, limited to 27 league appearances, disappointment for the club.
Cristiano Ronaldo£12.24 million2003Immense talent, 118 goals, two Barclays Player of the Year awards, instrumental in success.
The Crop of 2003£18.5 million2003Collective failure, players struggled to make an impact, poor business decisions.
Nemanja Vidic£7 million2005Consistent performances, crucial penalty save in the 2008 Champions League final.
Bebe£7 million2010Lackluster performances, struggled to find a place in the team, forgettable tenure.
The chart provides a concise overview of Manchester United transfers on the basis of their best and worst transfers in recent years, highlighting the key reasons for their success or failure.

Manchester United Transfers in brief:

Best Transfers-

1. Edwin van der Sar


Edwin van der Sar’s arrival in 2005 for a mere £2 million was a shrewd move by Manchester United. Despite being 34 years old at the time, the Dutch goalkeeper proved to be an invaluable asset. His standout moment came in the 2008 Champions League final when he made a crucial penalty save to secure victory for the Reds. Van der Sar’s consistent performances over the next six years proved he was a worthy successor to the legendary Peter Schmeichel, making him one of the best signings in recent memory.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival in 2003 for £12.24 million marked the beginning of a glorious era for Manchester United. Over six years, Ronaldo showcased his immense talent, scoring 118 goals in all competitions and earning prestigious awards, including two Barclays Player of the Year titles. His performances played a pivotal role in securing three Premier League trophies. Ronaldo’s departure to Real Madrid for £80 million was a testament to his immense impact, making him one of the greatest players in the club’s history and which lead to one of the most successful Manchester United transfers.

3. Nemanja Vidic

Nemanja Vidic’s signing for £7 million from Spartak Moscow in 2005 went relatively unnoticed, but he quickly established himself as a defensive stalwart for Manchester United. Vidic’s commanding presence and no-nonsense style made him a fan favorite and earned him the captain’s armband. His absence due to injury was sorely felt, highlighting his importance to the team’s success. Vidic’s contributions to the club’s defense solidify his position as one of the best transfers in recent years.

Worst Transfers-

1. Owen Hargreaves

Owen Hargreaves arrived at Manchester United as a £17 million signing with high expectations. He had a promising start, but unfortunately, injuries plagued his time at the club. A recurring knee injury limited him to only 27 league appearances during his tenure. Hargreaves’ inability to make a significant impact on the team led to his release after three injury-ridden years. This transfer remains a source of disappointment for both the player and the club.

2. The Crop of 2003

In 2003, Manchester United signed Eric Djemba-Djemba, David Bellion, Alan Smith, and Kleberson for a total sum of £18.5 million. Unfortunately, this group of players failed to make a significant impact on the team. Except for Alan Smith, the others struggled to live up to expectations and were eventually sold for considerably less than their initial transfer fees. This collective Manchester United transfers remains a reminder of the club’s poor business decisions in that particular year.

3. Bebe


Bebe’s inclusion on this list is regrettable, considering he was signed for the same amount as Vidic. The Portuguese winger failed to make any meaningful impact during his six appearances in the 2010/2011 season. His performances were lackluster, and he struggled to find his place in the team. Bebe’s time at Manchester United was largely forgettable, and he eventually departed the club with little fanfare which lead to one of the unsuccessful Manchester United Transfers.

4. Paul Pogba’s return

One of the worst Manchester United Transfers was Paul Pogba’s return to the club in 2016. Despite his previous success with Juventus, his second stint at Old Trafford did not live up to expectations. The club invested £89 million in Pogba’s services, hoping he could revitalize the team’s fortunes, but his performances lacked consistency and class. Six years of ups and downs followed, and Pogba’s time at United was plagued by injuries. In 2022, he eventually left the club on a free transfer back to Juventus, leaving the Red Devils without significant returns for the substantial amount spent on him.

Judgment:


The Manchester United transfers history in recent years has been a mix of triumphs and disappointments. The club’s ability to make astute signings like Edwin van der Sar, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Nemanja Vidic has brought immense success, while transfers like Owen Hargreaves and Bebe serve as cautionary tales. As the club continues to evolve, it remains crucial to make wise transfer decisions that shape the team’s future positively.

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