Ranking the 5 best signings made by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is entering another season as Manchester United manager
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is entering another season as Manchester United manager

Since taking over the reins as interim Manchester United boss in 2019, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has surprised many and overcome doubts about his ability to strengthen the team.

Manchester United have spent big on smart signings

The signing of Jadon Sancho and the arrival of Raphael Varane means Manchester United have had one of the most impressive transfer windows across Europe.

This has been a feature of Solskjaer's reign, with multiple arrivals molding the Manchester United squad into genuine title contenders. We rank the 5 best transfers made by Manchester United under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

#5 Amad Diallo

Amad Diallo in action for Manchester United against Fulham
Amad Diallo in action for Manchester United against Fulham

Still only in his teens and yet to make a game-winning impact in a Manchester United shirt, Amad Diallo is included purely for the impact the young Ivorian could make in the future. A pacy winger capable of direct and deadly running, Diallo was bought from Atalanta for a hefty £37 million fee which mirrors the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo as a relatively unknown winger.

A standout player at Bergamo, Diallo is an exciting option for Manchester United. The youngster is ready to burst onto the scene at the right opportunity and is a long-term signing that adds to United's youthful attack, which includes Greenwood and Sancho.


#4 Edinson Cavani

Edinson Cavani celebrates for Manchester United
Edinson Cavani celebrates for Manchester United

Manchester United have long been masters in the art of signing valuable experienced centre forwards. From Teddy Sheringham to Henrik Larsson's loan spell and the recent deal for Zlatan Ibrahimovic, signing a veteran striker seems to be United's speciality.

Adding to the list is Uruguayan hitman Edinson Cavani, who has played for Paris Saint-Germain, Palermo and Napoli over the last decade. He is one of the most consistent goalscorers of the era and had an excellent return of 17 goals in his first season with Manchester United.

What has been appreciated by fans and pundits is the intelligence and experience Cavani has brought to United's attack. An especially astute signing considering Manchester United got him at a steal on a free transfer.


#3 Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Aaron Wan-Bissaka in action for Manchester United
Aaron Wan-Bissaka in action for Manchester United

Tough-tackling fullback Aaron Wan-Bissaka was bought from Crystal Palace for a fee nearing £50 million pounds with add-ons. The 24-year-old hit the ground running, making the right-back spot his own and proving to be a smart signing.

While many criticize his lack of attacking ability as a modern-day fullback, Wan-Bissaka's defensive toughness all but makes up for any shortcomings. He has already put up strong performances against top tier opponents such as Manchester City and Liverpool.


#2 Harry Maguire

Harry Maguire pictured during Manchester United v Liverpool: The Emirates FA Cup 4th Round
Harry Maguire pictured during Manchester United v Liverpool: The Emirates FA Cup 4th Round

The fee paid for Harry Maguire seems to take precedence in judging the English centre-back's contribution. An excessive £80 million fee, enough to make him the world's most expensive defender, would weigh heavily on any player.

Maguire has been a vital contributor to the relative defensive solidarity Manchester United have enjoyed over the last two seasons. Signed for his aerial ability as well as his composure on the ball, Maguire has added a new dimension of play to the once fragile and timid United back line.

The statistics back him up, with Manchester United conceding just 36 and 44 league goals in each of Maguire's two seasons at the club.

While Maguire's calmness and authority has elevated him to the role of club captain in a short spell, critics take aim at his inconsistency and lack of pace.

Having said that, Maguire's Euro 2020 performances were the bedrock of the England defense and suggest he is only getting better. With the signing of Varane, Manchester United fans can look forward to a solid partnership.


#1 Bruno Fernandes

Manchester United v Leeds United - Premier League
Manchester United v Leeds United - Premier League

Bruno Fernandes is the defining transfer of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's reign as Manchester United boss. The Portuguese playmaker arrived from Sporting Lisbon for a £49.5m fee in January 2020. He then set the Premier League on fire, scoring 40 goals and registering 25 assists in just one and a half seasons at Manchester United.

His attacking mentality and ability to constantly drive play forward make him the quintessential Manchester United player. In 2020-21, he broke Frank Lampard's Premier League record of most goals scored by a midfielder for an English club with 28 across all competitions, a truly remarkable achievement.

In addition to his strengths on the pitch, Fernades has emerged as a dressing room leader and motivator. His drive and verve has pushed Manchester United from many a losing position to come back and win games. He is sure to go down as a Manchester United legend with time, and remains Ole's most trusted lieutenant.

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Edited by Parimal