Earlier, data from the professional portal CIES Football Observatory revealed that since January 2021, Manchester United’s “transfer market value for money” ranked the lowest among all top clubs. The Daily Mail evaluated United’s signings during this period, placing Mbeumo first, Ronaldo fourth, and Sancho at the bottom of the top 30.
1. Mbeumo
An “oven-ready” signing giving United fans hope, Mbeumo exemplifies the type of player United should be targeting: proven Premier League talents with more to give. He has scored six goals so far, four in his last five games, while also making lung-busting runs, pressing relentlessly, and connecting play. No surprise he earned the Premier League’s “player of the month” for October. At £71m from Brentford, expectations were high.
2. Casemiro
It’s impressive to see Casemiro’s “redemption arc.” After a stellar first season, he struggled in the second and third, but now the Brazilian has become indispensable. With him on the pitch, United have conceded four goals this season; without him, it rises to 16. He has also contributed three goals, matching Bruno Fernandes and Cunha combined. After joining from Real Madrid for £40m in 2022, his fourth season could be his best.
3. Amad Diallo
Amad is “a breath of fresh air” with speed, technical ability, and creativity on the flank. He fits Amorim’s system perfectly, prompting the manager to say he needs another wing-back like him. Diallo, signed for £37m from Atalanta in 2021, is flourishing.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo’s high ranking is controversial. In 2021-22, he had an outstanding season with 24 goals and huge commercial appeal, joining on a free. However, a tumultuous second season due to an interview with Piers Morgan and a falling-out with Erik ten Hag slightly tarnished his legacy. Despite criticism over his defensive work, he produced moments of “world-class quality.”
5. Matthijs de Ligt
De Ligt is finally living up to the potential he showed at Ajax. Playing every Premier League minute this season, United would be weaker without him. Injuries previously affected his confidence, but now fully fit, he can deliver on the £42.5m fee from Bayern Munich.
6. Raphael Varane
A “consummate professional” and leader, Varane spent three strong years at United after joining from Real Madrid for £34m, before knee issues forced his retirement.
7. Lisandro Martinez
Martinez proved his doubters wrong in his first season despite concerns over his height. Injuries have limited his impact, but when fit, he is one of United’s best. Signed for £55m from Ajax, he has largely justified his price.
8. Noussair Mazraoui
Mazraoui’s “versatility” is key for Amorim, even filling in at No 10 in one game. Though a solid wing-back, fans may expect more end product. At £17m from Bayern Munich, patience is warranted.
9. Matheus Cunha
Cunha has potential to become a fan favorite, with flair, dribbling, and directness. United paid £62.5m from Wolves, but he has only scored once so far.
10. Senne Lammens
A goalkeeper United can trust? Lammens, signed for £21.7m from Royal Antwerp, has proven to be a “safe pair of hands,” earning praise from Sir Alex Ferguson.
11. Christian Eriksen
Eriksen’s return after his cardiac arrest in 2021 has been impressive. Joining on a free in 2022, he regained his elite form, forming a strong midfield partnership with Casemiro in 2022-23.
12. Leny Yoro
Yoro, signed from Lille for £52m in 2024, has yet to fully convince but shows long-term potential. He has overcome injuries and criticism to gain consistent playing time.
13. Marcel Sabitzer
Enjoyed a productive loan spell, contributing goals and helping win the Carabao Cup in 2022-23.
14. Patrick Dorgu
The 21-year-old’s £29.4m move from Lecce has been promising but not outstanding. He has strength, power, and speed, with room to improve.
15. Jonny Evans
Signed as injury cover, Evans performed dependably, providing experience to a struggling defense.
16. Mason Mount
Mostly injured, Mount’s return of five goals in 56 appearances does not justify the £60m fee from Chelsea.
17. Benjamin Sesko
Sesko, signed for £73.7m, has struggled to adapt, lacking physicality and end product. However, his potential remains.
18. Joshua Zirkzee
Initially promising, Zirkzee has fallen out of favor. The £36.5m fee from Bologna appears wasted.
19. Manuel Ugarte
Failed to meet expectations after a £50m transfer. Now fourth-choice midfielder, he has six months to salvage his Premier League career.
20. Sofyan Amrabat
Struggled after signing on loan but showed dedication and finished the season strongly, starting the FA Cup final.
21. Ayden Heaven
Only nine appearances so far, but the Arsenal signing shows promise.
22. Tyrell Malacia
Early promise interrupted by injury. Limited opportunities under Amorim and underperformance when given a chance.
23. Wout Weghorst
Failed to score in the Premier League but contributed in the Europa League. Loan spell not particularly successful.
24. Sergio Reguilon
Emergency loan in 2023, worked hard but career has declined; now a free agent.
25. Altay Bayindir
Signed as a No 2 goalkeeper, lacks conviction and confidence.
26. Tom Heaton
Three appearances in five years, surprisingly part of the leadership group.
27. Martin Dubravka
Made only two appearances before recall to Newcastle, showing shakiness.
28. Jack Butland
Never played for United after joining as backup; now Rangers’ No 1.
28. Andre Onana
Signed for £55m but did not perform; eventually loaned to Trabzonspor.
29. Antony
Had a disappointing spell; £81.3m signing underperformed but has improved after leaving.
30. Jadon Sancho
Signed for £75m after two summers of pursuit. Stats: 83 appearances, 12 goals, six assists. Will leave the club on contract expiry, giving fans relief.
