Ranking Manchester United's 10 most expensive signings

7) Juan Mata – £37.1m

Only Jose Mourinho’s methods and tactics could have pushed out a two-time Player of the Year at Chelsea. Juan Mata was the darling of Blues fans following his move to Stamford Bridge. The Spaniard had also helped them win their first Champions League title after all.

David Moyes’ only major capture during his ill-fated reign at the club, Mata arrived with a lot of promise and a hefty price tag. But as Morpheus said in The Matrix, fate was not without its sense of irony as Mourinho took over the hot seat at Old Trafford.

However, this time he has stuck with Mata who has responded with performances in various positions. While he is not as effective out wide on the flank as he is in the centre, Mata has quietly gone about his business and made crucial contributions this season.

But you do get the feeling that he hasn’t reached the same heights he did with Chelsea. Can he improve under Mourinho or should he look elsewhere to play in a role more suitable to his skill set?

Rating: 6/10