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Since its implementation, the winter transfer window has received mixed reviews from different sections of the football world. However, even though it is not as eventful as the summer window, there's no denying that the month-long opening in January has played a pivotal part in many club's fortunes.
Some teams do indulge in the winter window, looking to strengthen the gaps in their squad, while others refrain from heavy investments in January. Traditionally, Manchester United have belonged to the latter category.
Even though the Red Devils have overseen busy winter windows in recent seasons, they are not known to go overboard with their spendings in January. Since 2004 till date, Manchester United have made just 15 signings in January, which averages to less than a player per window.
Last season, after taking charge of the team in December, Solskjaer had decided against any panic buys in the winter window. This time though, the Norwegian might be tempted to make a few shrewd additions to his squad at the turn of the year.
While the majority of signings in January have failed to establish themselves at Old Trafford, United have occasionally hit the jackpot with their business in winter.
Today, we take a look at Manchester United's top 3 winter signings till date.
#3 Juan Mata
The Spaniard might not have been a huge success at Old Trafford, but one has to agree that he stands out among the signings of the post-Ferguson era, especially those added in the winter. The fact that he has survived 4 managerial changes at United speaks volumes of his abilities.
Juan Mata joined Manchester United on 25th January 2014 for a then club-record fee of £37.1 million.
He became David Moyes' second and final signing at the club and had a decent start to life at Old Trafford. The Spaniard was one of the most creative players in the Premier League at that time, and while his time at United has not unfolded as he would have liked, he still was a fine addition to the team.
After managing to find game time under Louis van Gaal as well as Jose Mourinho, Mata has evolved into an essential squad player under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Spaniard's vision and first touch are still immaculate and he even has a knack of scoring goals in crucial games. Mata has racked up 230 appearances for United so far and has scored 45 times for the club. His experience remains vital to Solskjaer's young team right now.
#2 Patrice Evra
On 10th January 2006, Patrice Evra joined Manchester United from Monaco for a transfer fee of £5.5 million. The Frenchman had already caught the eye in Ligue 1 and was identified by Sir Alex Ferguson as the perfect candidate to strengthen the club's back-line.
Evra struggled to adapt to the Premier League at the start but soon became a regular feature in the United team. His tenacity and eagerness to join the attack perfectly complemented United's style of play, and he went on to become one of the best left-backs in the world during his time at the club.
The Frenchman never backed away from a fight on the pitch and was the epitome of United's never say die mentality. Evra went on to achieve great success at the club, while his ability to have an impact at both ends of the pitch made him a household name.
The Frenchman made 379 appearances for United, scoring 10 goals. He won 5 Premier League trophies, 3 League Cups, 5 Community Shields, one UEFA Champions League and one FIFA Club World Cup. Evra left United at the end of the 2013/14 season.
#1 Nemanja Vidic
How many centre-halves can you name who actually like defending? Vidic liked it. He loved the challenge of sticking his head in there. You could tell that the thrill of contesting those 50-50 balls animated him.
Those were the words of Sir Alex Ferguson, who nurtured the Serbian and turned him into one of the best defenders at Old Trafford. Nemanja Vidic joined Manchester United in January 2006 for a reported fee of £7 million. It would turn out to be a bargain, as Vidic went on to become one of the best defenders in the world and certainly among the greatest ever to play in the Premier League.
The Serbian did not have the best of starts to life at Manchester United. However, like a true champion, Vidic picked up pace and soon attained cult status among fans. His no-nonsense style of defending and his bravery made him a fan-favourite.
Vidic was exceptional in the air and strong on the ball. His tackles and aggression made him a feared opponent on the pitch. However, the Serbian was equally comfortable with the ball at his feet and was a complete defender who marshalled the United defence with charisma.
Vidic formed a formidable partnership with Rio Ferdinand that is widely regarded as one of the best of the Premier League era. The Serbian made 300 appearances for the Red Devils and scored 15 goals too.
He won a host of trophies and was even the skipper for the club from the 2010/11 season till his departure at the end of the 2013/14 season.
He was, without doubt, the best January transfer for United and also one of Ferguson's finest signings.
