In recent years, Manchester United has made several high-profile signings that ultimately failed to live up to their hefty price tags. This pattern of poor decision-making in the transfer market has left many fans and experts questioning the club's recruitment strategy. Let's explore some of the most notable transfer missteps and examine what lessons can be learned from them.
Alexis Sanchez: Signed from Arsenal for a reported £30 million in 2018, Sanchez struggled to adapt to life at Old Trafford, eventually moving to Inter Milan on a free transfer.
Paul Pogba: Purchased for a then-world record £89 million in 2016, the French midfielder's second stint at United was marred by inconsistent performances and injuries before leaving on a free transfer in 2022.
Romelu Lukaku: Signed for £75 million in 2017, the Belgian striker was sold to Inter Milan for £73 million just two years later, only to return to Chelsea for a reported £97.5 million in 2021.
Angel Di Maria: Acquired for £59.7 million in 2014, the Argentine winger never truly settled in the Premier League and was sold to Paris Saint-Germain for £44.3 million a year later.
Memphis Depay: Signed for £31 million in 2015, the Dutch forward failed to meet expectations and was sold to Lyon for an initial £16 million in 2017.
These cases highlight the importance of thorough scouting, player compatibility, and long-term planning in the transfer market. Manchester United must learn from these missteps to ensure better value for their investments and improve their on-field performances. As the club embarks on a new era, addressing these underlying issues will be crucial to reclaiming its status as one of Europe's most feared football clubs.