Manchester United failing to manage transfers in recent years? The worst transfers in history, not even Ferguson was infallible

Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure, several transfers have gone wrong at Manchester United. According to the website fourfourtwo, there are 10 such players ranked among the worst Manchester United transfers in history. The list, which includes 31 names

5. Donny van de Beek

The Dutch midfielder can’t surprise anyone on the list. He came to United from Ajax in the summer of 2020 for just under 40 million euros. He was expected to take a place in the midfield alongside Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes. Unfortunately for him, he picked up few minutes, often only coming on the pitch for the last few minutes.

Ole Gunnar Solskjær preferred Fred or McTominay and van de Beek was waiting for his chance. Three and a half years have passed since the transfer and the Dutchman is still waiting for his chance. Meeting his former coach ten Hague didn’t help either. It seems van de Beek’s days in Manchester are definitely numbered.

4. Ralph Milne

The Scottish outside midfielder earned a move to Manchester United in 1988 with his quality performances in a Bristol jersey. Sir Alex Ferguson paid £170,000 for him at the time. He was replaced by Lee Sharpe in the Manchester jersey in 3 years. In 2009, Sir Alex Ferguson also commented on the transfer, “I only paid 170k for him and I’m still being condemned for it.”

3. Eric Djemba-Djemba

The Cameroonian midfielder arrived in Manchester in 2003 for €4.5 million from French side Nantes. Why did Ferguson pick him? He was to be a replacement for Roy Keane. During his first and only full season in a Red Devils jersey, he hit the ground running in 22 games during which he only logged 1,163 minutes.

The next season he added only half a season in a red jersey, after which he was sold for almost half to Aston Villa. Not only the Scottish manager but also the fans were able to recognize that the Cameroonian was not up to the task of a defensive midfielder. He couldn’t even win his place in the starting line-up at the aforementioned Aston Villa.

2. Paul Pogba

The French midfielder on his second joining the club came in as the most expensive player in history. José Mourinho did not intend to send more than 100 million euros for him to Juventus. At the beginning of his stay, things didn’t look bad at all, Pogba was pushing himself, he was able to create chances for his teammates and even score a goal himself.

Over time, however, he became unpopular with the fans. This was mainly due to his attitude, which mostly came across as lazy and grumpy. Another problem was his high salary. By the end of their time together at the club, the Frenchman was more injured than healthy, so he decided not to continue at United.

1. Bebe

The Portuguese striker transferred to Manchester United in the summer of 2010 for just under €9 million. Ferguson mentioned in a press conference at the time that he had never seen videos of him, but that he had full faith in his scouts and hoped Bebe would make it in the team. Most fans, however, know how it all turned out.

The Portuguese hasn’t convinced anyone that he has what it takes to play for a team of Manchester United’s quality. He lasted only half a year in the squad and then went on loan. In the mentioned half a year he made 16 starts in which he scored 4 goals and 1 assist. For most fans, he became the material for MEME pictures.

Source: fourfourtwo, Premier League