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#3 Eric Djemba-Djemba
Eric Djemba-Djemba was a disappointing transfer for United. A huge chunk of the the club's fanbase often lists him under the worst transfers list their club ever made. The Cameroon international arrived for a fee of €4.5 million and stayed for a brief one-and-a-half years. He made 39 appearances in the midfield but was hardly able to convince the Manchester United fans that he could be a regular.
Djemba-Djemba was on the bench when Cristiano Ronaldo made his debut for the Red Devils. Before retiring, the defensive midfielder represented 13 different clubs across 10 countries including the Indian Super League side Chennaiyin FC. The player has always been thankful to SAF for bringing him to United because that changed his life.
#2 Chris Eagles
The most recent player to retire from this list is former Manchester United winger Chris Eagles. He made his debut in a League Cup game where the club defeated rivals Leeds United. Eddie Johnson, who wasn't much of a success himself, debuted in the same game.
It is quite interesting when you imagine the number of talented prospects Cristiano Ronaldo was pooled with in his first season at Manchester United. Eagles took quite the fall in standards. After starting in the Premier League with the Red Devils, he moved to Championship clubs like Burnley and Bolton Wanderers.
In his final years, he played his trade in League Two before finally retiring in 2020. His rise through the ranks at Manchester United was followed by his contribution in the FA Youth Cup triumph of 2003. A trophy that the Red Devils were favorites to win in those days, but have hardly come close to winning in the last decade or so.
Eagles has had quite the fall from grace with the 36-year old being presented in the Manchester Magistrates' Court a few months back. The winger was found drunk in the driver's seat of his Audi, three times over the legal alcohol limit.
At 36, Cristiano Ronaldo is carrying the Red Devils into the Champions League and trying to influence the culture at Old Trafford.
#1 David Bellion
Hindsight is a strong teacher and in the case of David Bellion it did not prove to be the kindest of all things. After his performance in a Manchester United shirt, fans branded him an immediate flop. Some went on to say that he did not deserve to play for the club.
Well, it may seem like there were completely contrasting figures in the United camp in the 2003-04 season. Where fans considered Cristiano Ronaldo a blessing to have, there were enough figures that they did not like. Manchester United were even accused of tapping up Bellion in 2003 when his contract expired with Sunderland.
It is truly baffling to see how badly they miscalculated this one. The French striker only made 40 appearances for Sir Alex Ferguson's side, where he scored eight times and assisted another two. He was soon shipped to France, where Bellion did win the Ligue 1 title with Bordeaux in 2007/08. The striker produced his career-best figures of 12 goals and four assists that season.
Quite clearly he was not of the same mold as Cristiano Ronaldo.
