According to Sports Mole, the 2024 summer transfer window has officially commenced for the Premier League, spanning from June 14 until August 30 at 11pm.
Manchester United are poised for an active transfer period, seeking to rebound from a disappointing 2023-24 season where they finished eighth in the league standings. Despite this, they secured an FA Cup victory, securing a spot in the group stage of the 2024-25 Europa League.
The club's summer plans reportedly include bolstering their squad with acquisitions in the positions of centre-back, central midfielder, and striker. However, financial constraints necessitate player departures.
Manchester United's stature as one of football's powerhouses means they often pay a premium for their signings, favoring youthful talent over established stars.
Here, Sports Mole examines the club's most costly acquisitions, with Paul Pogba leading the list following his return from Juventus:
1. Paul Pogba (£89m from Juventus in August 2016)
Paul Pogba remains Manchester United's most expensive signing to date, rejoining the club in 2016 for approximately £89m. His return saw him make 226 appearances for the Red Devils, winning the Europa League and EFL Cup before departing on a free transfer to Juventus.
2. Antony (£81.3m from Ajax in August 2022)
Antony became Manchester United's second most expensive signing when he arrived for just over £81m in the summer of 2022. His tenure has seen 11 goals in 82 appearances, prompting speculation of a potential move this summer.
3. Harry Maguire (£80m from Leicester City in August 2019)
Harry Maguire's £80m move from Leicester City in 2019 marked Manchester United's third highest expenditure. Despite initial successes including two trophies, injuries have impacted his recent seasons.
4. Jadon Sancho (£72.3m from Borussia Dortmund in July 2021)
Jadon Sancho's arrival in July 2021 for £72.3m saw him struggle initially before returning to Dortmund on loan amidst conflicts with the head coach.
5. Romelu Lukaku (£72m from Everton in July 2017)
Romelu Lukaku's £72m transfer from Everton in 2017 saw him score 42 goals in 96 matches before moving on to Inter Milan and Chelsea, achieving mixed success in subsequent seasons.
As Manchester United navigates the complexities of the transfer market, their strategy will determine how they strengthen their squad for the upcoming season.