MANCHESTER UNITED have spent over £1billion on 36 players since Sir Alex Ferguson and David Gill left the club in 2013.
But how many have been a genuine success?
Here’s who Manchester United have signed since Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down
As Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reflects on another disappointing window, the issues at the club really do start with a poor recruitment strategy.
Here are five successes and failures since Ferguson’s departure…
HITS
Anthony Martial scored 17 goals in the Premier League last seasonCredit: EPA
Anthony Martial
Nearly £50m down the drain? Not a chance.
Martial recorded his best season in 2019/20 with 17 goals and six assists.
A fully-fit and focused Martial is one of the most dangerous and exciting forwards in the league and he’s a player who really looks at home as the central striker.
One of the most encouraging things about Martial is that his peak years are yet to come.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic lived up to expectations during the 2016-17 campaignCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
With 17 Premier League goals during the 2016-17 season, the Swede was the talisman during Jose Mourinho first year in charge.
And, although he missed the final due to injury, without him, the club wouldn’t have gone on to reach and win the Europa League.
United fans hadn’t seen such confidence and arrogance since Cristiano Ronaldo’s final years at the club.
Nemanja Matic made 21 league appearances for the Red Devils last seasonCredit: EPA
Nemanja Matic
Might not be on everyone’s “hit” list but United are a far better side with him in it.
Matic believes that he’s still one of the best defensive central midfielders in the world and some of his performances last season would support this.
A player who is far better with his feet than people give him credit for, he also has the ability to lead from the centre of the park.
Bruno Fernandes ripped into his team-mates during half-time of the defeat to SpursCredit: EPA
Bruno Fernandes
Fernandes probably saved United’s season last term and helped keep Solskjaer in a job.
The Portuguese magician will go down as one of United’s greatest ever signings if he can continue his form.
The worry for United is that if the club can match his ambition or not.
If the Red Devils fail to qualify for the Champions League next May, might he look for a move away?
Ander Herrera went on to join French club PSG in 2019Credit: AFP or licensors
Ander Herrera
The Spaniard wasn’t always the most dominant midfielder, but he was a fan favourite who left every ounce on the pitch.
It’s a shame Herrera didn’t join the club while Ferguson was in charge because if he did, he might have one or two more medals to show for his quality on the pitch.
Miss
Angel Di Maria failed to live up to expectations at Old Trafford Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Ángel Di María
Imagine signing a player that didn’t want to join the club in the first place – that’s exactly what United did with the Argentine.
We saw flashes of his brilliance – most notably a lovely scooped finish against Leicester City – but those moments were few and far between, and some of his comments about the club since his departure have only angered supporters even more.
Alexis Sanchez joined United after spending four years with ArsenalCredit: Reuters
Alexis Sanchez
For United fans it’s a toss-up between Sanchez and Di Maria as to who takes the award for the worst signing post Sir Alex Ferguson.
Sanchez’s wages have been well documented, and his contribution on the pitch certainly didn’t match the astronomical numbers he’d find in his bank account each week.
Like Di Maria, Sanchez’s recent comments after joining Inter Milan on a permanent basis, have left a bitter taste in some supporters’ mouth.
Radamel Falcao struggled to impress in Manchester due to injuryCredit: AP:Associated Press
Radamel Falcao
Ah Radamel, how I wanted you to succeed.
The United training ground was used as his rehabilitation centre as he struggled to recover from a horrific knee injury.
You couldn’t question his commitment, but he had lost a yard of pace and the physicality of the English game appeared to be a bit much.
Memphis Depay was handed the club’s iconic No7 shirt Credit: Reuters
Memphis Depay
When you’re given the famous No7 shirt like Depay was by Louis van Gaal, you either sink or swim.
Depay appeared to drown under the pressure, and failed to hold down a regular starting position either out wide or through the middle.
He has shown in France with Lyon what a good player he can be though and was linked with a move to Barcelona over the summer.
Paul Pogba has not hidden his desire to play for Real Madrid one dayCredit: EPA
Paul Pogba
Often on the treatment table and riddled with inconsistency, Pogba has been a disappointment since his return to the club under Mourinho in 2016.
With all the ability in the world, United fans never see it on a regular basis.
Yes, the YouTube clips of skills and assists look great but it’s hard to think of a dozen really good games the Frenchman has had in over four years at the club.
Man Utd star Marcus Rashford has launched a petition urging the Government to act now to end child poverty
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
