The 10 Worst Manchester United Signings Ever
Manchester United is one of the most storied clubs in football history, but they have made their fair share of signings that have turned out to be less than stellar.
While the club has seen legendary players grace the pitch at Old Trafford, it has also endured a number of missteps in the transfer market.
Here, we explore the ten worst signings in Manchester United’s history, examining the expectations surrounding each player and the reasons their moves ultimately fell flat.
1. Paul Pogba – £89m from Juventus, 2016
When Paul Pogba returned to Manchester United from Juventus in 2016 for a then-world-record fee of £89 million, expectations soared. The French midfielder had developed into one of the most sought-after talents in Europe during his four-year stint in Italy. Fans and pundits alike anticipated that Pogba would be the linchpin in United’s midfield, capable of leading the team back to its former glory.
However, Pogba’s time at Old Trafford was marred by inconsistency. While flashes of brilliance showcased his undeniable talent, they were often overshadowed by a series of uninspiring performances. Critics pointed to his frequent injuries and lack of tactical discipline as significant factors contributing to his underwhelming impact. Ultimately, Pogba left the club in 2022, having won just a solitary EFL Cup and Europa League during his second spell.
2. Alexis Sánchez – Swap from Arsenal, 2018
Alexis Sánchez’s arrival at Manchester United was heralded as a major coup. The Chilean forward was one of the Premier League’s most electrifying talents during his time at Arsenal. United secured his services in a swap deal that saw Henrikh Mkhitaryan move to the Gunners, which was meant to bolster the attacking options at Old Trafford.
Unfortunately, Sánchez’s tenure was nothing short of disastrous. He struggled to replicate his previous form, managing a mere three goals in 18 months. His astronomical wages, reportedly around £14 million per year after tax, became a contentious issue as he failed to deliver on the pitch. Ultimately, he left the club for Inter Milan on a free transfer, marking a significant loss for United.
3. Harry Maguire – £80m from Leicester City, 2019
In the summer of 2019, Harry Maguire made headlines when he became the most expensive defender in football history, joining Manchester United from Leicester City for £80 million. The hefty price tag raised eyebrows, with many questioning whether he possessed the requisite skill set to justify such an investment.
Maguire’s initial performances were steady, but as time progressed, his form began to decline. He became synonymous with defensive errors and lapses in concentration, leading to widespread criticism from fans and pundits alike. Despite his leadership qualities, Maguire struggled to adapt to the intense scrutiny that comes with playing for a club of United’s stature. His tenure has been marked by inconsistency, and while he remains a key figure, he has yet to fully justify his record transfer fee.
4. Jadon Sancho – £73m from Borussia Dortmund, 2021
After a protracted transfer saga that lasted two years, Jadon Sancho finally joined Manchester United from Borussia Dortmund in 2021. The young winger was seen as a transformative signing, with his dazzling skills and pace expected to elevate United’s attacking prowess.
However, Sancho’s time at Old Trafford has been marred by struggles both on and off the pitch. Inconsistent performances and a lack of confidence saw him relegated to the bench for long spells. His public fallout with then manager Erik ten Hag further complicated matters, resulting in a loan move back to Dortmund in early 2024. The transfer, which was meant to herald a new era for United, has instead turned into a cautionary tale. He is currently at Chelsea on loan with an obligation to buy, but Chelsea are reportedly trying to wriggle out of it. Fingers crossed they can’t!
5. Anthony Martial – £36m from Monaco, 2015
When Manchester United splashed out £36 million to sign Anthony Martial from Monaco in 2015, the young forward was touted as the next big thing in football. His debut, where he scored a stunning goal against Liverpool, only heightened expectations for his potential.
However, Martial’s career at United was characterised by inconsistency. While he showed glimpses of his talent including a good season in 2019/20, he often struggled with injuries and form, leading to frustration among fans. Despite being given numerous opportunities to establish himself as a key player, Martial failed to deliver consistently, looking like he was just biding his time by the end. United finally managed to offload him to AEK Athens in 2024.
6. Radamel Falcao – £6m LOAN from Monaco, 2014
In 2014, Manchester United secured the services of Colombian striker Radamel Falcao on a loan deal from Monaco, paying £6 million for the privilege. The signing was met with excitement, given Falcao’s reputation as one of the most lethal strikers in Europe.
Unfortunately, Falcao’s time at United was plagued by injuries and a lack of form. He managed to score just four goals in the Premier League during his loan spell, failing to make a significant impact on the team. United opted against making the move permanent, and Falcao returned to Monaco, marking a disappointing chapter in his illustrious career.
7. Memphis Depay – £25m from PSV Eindhoven, 2015
Memphis Depay arrived at Manchester United in 2015 with a burgeoning reputation after an impressive spell at PSV Eindhoven. The club invested £25 million in the young winger, hoping he would become a key player in their attacking line-up.
However, Depay’s time at Old Trafford was short-lived and largely forgettable. Despite being handed the iconic No. 7 shirt, he struggled to adapt to the demands of the Premier League. His lack of goals and assists led to his eventual departure, with United recouping only £15 million when he was sold to Lyon in 2017.
8. Juan Sebastián Verón – £28m from Lazio, 2001
When Juan Sebastián Verón joined Manchester United from Lazio in 2001 for £28 million, he was hailed as one of the top midfielders in the world. Sir Alex Ferguson envisioned Verón as a key addition to a squad that had just achieved domestic and European success.
However, Verón’s time at United was disappointing. He struggled to adapt to the physicality and pace of the Premier League, managing only seven goals in 57 league appearances. After two seasons, he was sold to Chelsea for a significant loss, making him one of the club’s more regrettable signings.
9. Massimo Taibi – £4.5m from Venezia, 1999
Massimo Taibi’s transfer to Manchester United in 1999 was one born out of desperation. Following the departure of legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel, United found themselves in need of a new shot-stopper. Taibi was brought in from Venezia for £4.5 million, but his time at the club was far from successful.
Despite a promising debut against Liverpool, where he was named Man of the Match, Taibi quickly became infamous for a series of blunders. His attempts to save a weak shot from Matt Le Tissier became a defining moment of his brief spell at Old Trafford. Taibi’s inability to settle in the Premier League led to his departure after just one season.
10. Kleberson – £6.5m from Atlético Paranaense, 2003
Kleberson, a World Cup winner with Brazil, arrived at Manchester United in 2003 for £6.5 million. His signing was met with optimism, as he was expected to add creativity and flair to the midfield.
However, injuries and a lack of form hindered Kleberson’s progress at the club. He struggled to secure a regular spot in the starting XI and ultimately faded into obscurity. His brief time at United is often remembered as a cautionary tale of the pitfalls of signing players based solely on international success.
No, I Didn’t Forget about Antony dos Santos
Antony has a strong case for being Manchester United’s worst-ever signing due to the staggering £86 million fee the club paid to bring him from Ajax in 2022. The Brazilian winger arrived with high expectations, having been handpicked by Erik ten Hag as a key part of his rebuild. However, Antony has struggled to justify his price tag, offering little end product in attack. His predictable dribbling, lack of physicality, and failure to consistently beat defenders made him a frustrating presence on the right wing. With only a handful of goals and assists to his name, including a pathetic goal celebration against lowly Newport of all teams, he is the definition of a flop.
Beyond his on-field struggles, Antony’s signing represents a wider failure in United’s recruitment strategy. The club massively overpaid for a player who had never proven himself at the highest level, seemingly driven by Ten Hag’s familiarity with him rather than a rigorous scouting process. His inability to improve or adapt to the Premier League made him a liability, and his off-field controversies have only added to the disaster. Given the financial outlay, the opportunity cost of not signing a more effective player, and the lack of any significant return on investment, Antony may well go down as the worst signing in Manchester United’s history.