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Manchester United have begun the summer transfer window well by signing Borussia Dortmund forward and long-term target Jadon Sancho.
From 2011-2021, Manchester United have made some interesting moves. Over this period of time they have invested in big names like Angel Di Maria, Radamel Falcao and Bastian Schweinsteiger, to little effect. However, there have been some smart moves as well.
A club the size of Manchester United should be smarter in the market. They have realised that in recent years, and especially under the management of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, have worked on improving the squad by signing young players capable of improving in the long run.
We look at the 5 best signings made by Manchester United in the last decade.
#5 Harry Maguire
Eyebrows were raised when Manchester United decided to pay £78.3 million to sign Harry Maguire from Leicester City in 2019, making him the most expensive centre-back in the world.
Maguire has proved to be an intelligent acquisition, though. The England international has impressed with his ability on the ball, and his phenomenal fitness levels have seen him feature in almost every Manchester United game since joining the club.
The 28-year old is now the captain of Manchester United and enjoyed an excellent Euro 2020 campaign. Maguire was sorely missed during the final of the UEFA Europa League last season, which he missed due to an injury. Manchester United lost that game to Villarreal on penalties.
#4 Luke Shaw
Luke Shaw's rise has been a joy to watch. From a much-maligned player under Jose Mourinho to one of the best left-backs in the world under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Shaw deserves to be where he is right now.
Manchester United signed Shaw from Southampton in 2014 for nearly £34 million. After an impressive start to his Manchester United career, Shaw suffered a horrible injury in 2015 in a Champions League game, ruling him out for a long stretch of time.
The England international has often been criticised by former manager Jose Mourinho, but has excelled under Solskjaer. Shaw has made 186 appearances in all competitions for Manchester United, scoring three goals and providing 17 assists. He scored in the final of Euro 2020 for England.
#3 Bruno Fernandes
It is rare for a player to have as big an impact as Bruno Fernandes has had at Manchester United in such a short period of time.
Fernandes joined Manchester United from Sporting CP in January 2020 for £56.7 million, and his impact was immediate. The Portugal international added much-needed creativity, drive and goals from midfield, and it did not take long for Fernandes to become a fan favourite among the Old Trafford faithful.
Fernandes' impact at Manchester United has often been compared to that of Eric Cantona. The 26-year old has made 80 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring 40 goals and providing 25 assists. Fernandes has now won the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award twice.
#2 Robin van Persie
Sir Alex Ferguson made many smart signings during his tenure as Manchester United boss, and Robin van Persie was no different.
Van Persie was one of the best strikers in the Premier League during his time with Arsenal, but decided to join Manchester United in 2012 for £27.6 million. The Netherlands international was incredible during his first season at the club, scoring 26 goals in the Premier League as the Red Devils romped to the league title.
The striker was not as successful during his next two seasons at the club. However, Manchester United fans remember him fondly for his world-class 2012-13 season, when Van Persie was practically untouchable and led Manchester United to a league title.
#1 David de Gea
One of the best goalkeepers of the modern generation, David de Gea has to be one of Manchester United's best ever transfers.
De Gea joined Manchester United from Atletico Madrid in 2011 for £22.5 million, as the club sought to replace Edwin van der Sar. The Spain international endured a slow start to his Manchester United career, but slowly established himself as the first choice goalkeeper at the club.
The goalkeeper was sensational under Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho. During that time de Gea was the best goalkeeper in world football, and a prime reason why Manchester United did not finish lower down the league table. The 30-year old developed a habit of making miraculous saves, and attackers were often left frustrated due to his performances.
De Gea has won the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award four times. Recent seasons have seen a decline in the Spaniard's displays, with Dean Henderson now seemingly the preferred shot-stopper.
Also Read: 10 most valuable football players in the world - July 2021
