5 most influential Manchester United signings of the 21st century

Manchester United are currently struggling to leave the midtable doldrums and return to the top-four position that fans and pundits had predicted. It's a far-cry from the start of the season when the Red Devils seemed to pack a star-studded title-contending squad. At this rate, if they make it into the top-four by the turn of the new year, it would be an admirable feat.

It wasn't always like this for Manchester United. Long before the scurry of managers came to Old Trafford, Sir Alex Ferguson guided United across the echelons of world football.

During the 90s, Ferguson managed the Red Devils to an astonishing 19 trophies. While this number reduced across 2000s, the club maintained their massive world-class status.

Managers like David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho have also played their part in the club's history. However, many of United's most influential signings came during Ferguson's era.

But the club has also made some impactful signings after the era of Sir Alex Ferguson. So without further ado, let's take a look at:

Five such signings for Manchester United during the 21st century

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#5 Bruno Fernandes

Manchester United v Atalanta: Group F - UEFA Champions League

After spells with Udinese, Sampdoria, and Sporting, the star Portuguese playmaker joined Manchester United for an initial fee of €55 million in January 2020. Although the star has played just one full season for the Red Devils, his impact on the squad has been massive.

In his debut season, Fernandes scored 12 goals in 22 appearances to rejuvenate United's attack. He also won the 'Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year' award even though he played only half the season.

Last season, in his first full season at Old Trafford, Fernandes scored 18 goals. He also assisted 12 in 37 Premier League games, remarkable figures for a midfielder.

This season has already seen the star score four goals and assist seven across 16 appearances in all competitions. It's quite clear that Manchester United would be in a worse state without Fernandes' overall input on the field.

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#4 Rio Ferdinand

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester United - FA Cup Third Round

Rio Ferdinand joined Manchester United from rival Leeds in 2002 for a whopping £41.5 million. The legendary defender guided the Red Devils' defense to new heights during a trophy-laden decade. Ferguson's eye for young talent noticed the star's capacity in the first third. Soon enough, Ferdinand became one of the best central defenders in the world.

While his individual brilliance was notable, his pairing with Serbian legend Nemanja Vidic formed one of the strongest defensive partnerships in the Premier League. Ferdinand remained with United until after Ferguson left the club in 2013. His leadership for the Red Devils was showcased on the pitch until the very end when the star was 35.

#3 Edwin Van der Sar

Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2018 - Van der Sar

Reports recently linked the former goalkeeper to a director position at Old Trafford, and fans were understandably excited about the prospect. Van der Sar joined Manchester United from Fulham for a transfer fee of £2 million in 2005.

It was way too small for a gem of a goalkeeper who successfully held down the forte between the sticks for Manchester United.

During his six-year stint with United, Van der Sar guided the team to an astonishing four Premier League titles. He also won a Champions League trophy and a League Cup with the Red Devils.

Notably, he conceded just 25 goals in his second season. The star famously set a world record by not conceding a goal in an amazing 1,311 minutes. Edwin Van der Sar is arguably one of Manchester United's best ever goalkeepers.

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#2 Wayne Rooney

Arsenal v Manchester United - Premier League

Wayne Rooney moved from Goodison Park to Old Trafford for £33.5 million in 2004. By then he was already one of the most exciting prospects in English football. At the time, Rooney was the most expensive teenager in football. His transfer fee raised eyebrows, but Sir Alex Ferguson clearly had trust in the star's potential.

Silencing his critics almost from the get go, Rooney spent 13 seasons with Manchester United where he won everything available. He had a profound winner's mentality at Old Trafford. When Rooney left United in 2017, he was United's and England's record goalscorer and he still holds that record.

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#1 Cristiano Ronaldo

Manchester United v Manchester City - Premier League

Arguably one of Alex Ferguson's most brilliant business deals in Manchester United's history, Ronaldo left Sporting for Old Trafford in 2003 for £17 million. His stardom and brilliance in nearly every Premier League game ensured that Real Madrid paid a staggering £80 million to snatch the star up in 2009.

While at United, the CR7 brand took shape, with Ferguson finally handing the star the number 7 shirt. Everything about Ronaldo made him a defender's nightmare. The star scored a lot of goals and won every available trophy in England and Europe.

When he won the Ballon d'Or for the first time in 2008, it was no surprise. Cristiano Ronaldo is Manchester United's biggest star.

He will certainly be looking to drive the club forward with his return to Old Trafford this summer.