It’s been seven and a half years since Sir Alex Ferguson finally surrendered the hot seat at Old Trafford. Manchester United have spent over €1 billion in transfers. We’ve seen a collection of signings come and go since then. But who were the best?
In the seven and a half years since Sir Alex Ferguson left the helm at United. Four managers (excluding Ryan Giggs), have all had their shot at returning the club to the top. There has been some good signings from the Moyes, LVG, Mourinho and Solskjaer era.
Let’s look at the Top 5 signings since Fergie era.
5. Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£50 million from Crystal Palace).
Manchester United manager Ole Gunner Solskjaer made Wan-Bissaka the second signing of his tenure. It was a priority signing because the right side of Manchester United defence was a problem area. Since the departure of our former captain Antonio Valencia, United failed to sign a proper full-back. This season, he has been one of the best right-back in the league. Wan Bissaka has been the best tackler in the league since his debut season. He has also worked on the attacking side of his football which is an added advantage for him. Wan-Bissaka is only 23 years old and he’s only going to improve.
4. Juan Mata (£37.1 million from Chelsea)
-
Image source: Planet Football
An excellent signing from Chelsea in January 2014. Mata has been a constant in the post Fergie era. Whilst arguably his best days were at Chelsea, Mata has become a firm fan favourite since his arrival from Stamford Bridge. He has won four trophies at Manchester United including the UEFA Europa League. His best performance came against Liverpool at Juanfield( the stadium was named after him by the United faithful) most notably that bicycle kick when he bagged a brace to secure a 2-1 victory at Anfield.
3. Paul Pogba(£89 million from Juventus)
Perhaps the one man who has drawn more debate than any player in the Post-Fergie era is Paul Pogba. It was statement signing by Manchester United under Jose Mourinho as he signed the Frenchman for a then world-record transfer fee of £89 million from Juventus in 2016. His time at Manchester United has been tarnished recently by the contract issue at the club. In the current season, he has been a mainstay in midfield combined with Bruno Fernandes’ brilliance.
2. Zlatan Ibrahimovic( £0 )
When you hear Zlatan, what comes into your head. Swedish God right? Power, Quality, Leadership and Arrogance is what made this man. Signed by Jose Mourinho in 2016 on a free transfer from Paris Saint Germain. Many criticised Ed Woodward and Jose for bringing the old man to the club by even concluding that he cannot survive in the English Premier League. But guess what, Zlatan conquered England within three months of signing. He scored 28 goals across 53 appearances in his time at the club. The highlight of Zlatan’s time at Old Trafford include a match-winning performance against Southampton in the 3-2 victory to clinch the carabao cup, a hattrick against Saint Etienne in the Europa League and his wonder in his Debut match against Galatasaray.
1. Bruno Miguel Fernandes (£47 million from Sporting Lisbon)
Mr Impact. Whenever you hear the word instant impact, then Bruno Fernandes comes into mind. He was signed in the January 2020 transfer window to come in and help the struggling Manchester United side. Bruno performs above expectation in his debut season by helping his new side to reach the UEFA Europa League semi-final against Sevilla (winners). He also helps Manchester United to secure a surprise 3rd spot in the English league after a difficult start to the season. Since he was signed, Manchester United are yet to lose an away league game. Fernandes made 38 EPL appearances since his debut and he’s been involved in 38 goals, either he’s scoring or assisting. Already deemed the best of the January signings in Premier League history, Fernandes has already won four EPL player of the month since his arrival. The most by a player in a calendar year.
Notable mentions are Anthony Martial, Luke Shaw, Nemanja Matic…
Agree? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below
