Manchester United's 10 Worst Premier League Signings

#1 Anderson

MK Dons v Manchester United - Capital One Cup Second Round

Believe it or not, Anderson is still only 30 years of age and is actually now playing in Turkey’s second division.

At one point in time, the Brazilian was seen as one of the biggest can’t-miss prospects in world football. Having wowed during his early days at Gremio and FC Porto, Anderson was a youngster full of attacking verve, creative flair, and with the ability to do what few others of his age could do. Back then, he was literally the hottest prospect in the game. Oh, how the mighty have fallen…

On a fateful day back in 2009, Manchester United unveiled two of the most in-demand youngsters in world football: Anderson and Nani.

Nani himself certainly had his fair share of ups and downs at Old Trafford, but Anderson was a different level altogether. Signed as a creative attacking midfield player, the Brazilian was often utilised in a more deep-sitting, defensive midfield position – including famously marking Steven Gerrard out of the game during a match against Liverpool. For all his promise and potential, though, Anderson’s career soon began on a downward spiral when it became apparent that his attitude wasn’t exactly the best. Throw in some unfortunate injuries, and his time at Manchester United is seen as one of the great “what ifs?” by many Red Devils fans.

What makes Anderson a particularly awful signing is how his eventual United exit happened. Signed for a whopping £25 million in 2007, an unfit and overweight Anderson would be given a free transfer in 2015.

Things didn’t improve for the then-26-year-old, with him missing a penalty on his Internacional debut, then being substituted in his second game after he required an oxygen mask; so unfit was he!