In the dynamic world of football transfers, Manchester United has seen several notable departures in recent years. In this article, we will explore the top 10 sales that have shaped the club’s trajectory, discussing the players’ contributions, subsequent transfers, and the impact of their exits on the team’s fortunes.
In a pervious article we was talking about how terrible Manchester United are at selling players, here we take a look at their 10 biggest sales in their history.
10. Daley Blind – £16m (Ajax, 2018)
Daley Blind, a versatile player with a cultured left foot, had a mixed spell at Manchester United. Despite his professionalism, Blind occasionally struggled to cope with the fast-paced nature of the Premier League. Moreover, being shifted between the centre-back and left-back positions didn’t aid his consistency. After a stint away from Manchester United, Blind made a return to his former club, Ajax, in 2018, with the Red Devils making a profit on his sale.
9. Danny Welbeck – £16m (Arsenal, 2014)
Danny Welbeck, a product of Manchester United’s esteemed academy, had his fair share of injury setbacks during his time at the club. Though a decent and athletic player, injuries prevented him from reaching his full potential. Arsenal acquired Welbeck’s services in 2014, raising eyebrows among their fanbase due to his injury history. After leaving Arsenal, Welbeck went on to play for Watford and currently plies his trade at Brighton.
8. Jaap Stam – £16m (Lazio, 2001)
Looking back, Sir Alex Ferguson admitted that selling Jaap Stam to Lazio in 2001 was one of his greatest regrets. Stam, a towering Dutch centre-back, was widely regarded as one of the best in the world at that time. However, a fallout between Stam and Ferguson, triggered by comments made in Stam’s autobiography, led to his departure. Lazio acquired the services of this defensive stalwart for a mere £16 million, which was considered a bargain.
7. Memphis Depay – £17m (Lyon, 2017)
When Manchester United signed Memphis Depay for £25 million, there were high expectations surrounding the young Dutch talent. However, Depay failed to live up to the lofty standards set by previous wearers of the iconic No. 7 shirt. Despite showing glimpses of his ability, he struggled to make a significant impact, managing just two Premier League goals during his full season at Old Trafford. United ultimately sold Depay to Lyon for approximately £17 million in January 2017.
6. Morgan Schneiderlin – £20m (Everton, 2017)
Morgan Schneiderlin (brought from Southampton £25m), a serviceable midfielder, never truly established himself as a top-tier player at Manchester United. During his two-and-a-half seasons at Old Trafford, Schneiderlin failed to demonstrate the qualities expected of a United player. The Frenchman’s defensive contributions and creative output were subpar, leading to his eventual transfer to Everton. Schneiderlin has since returned to France and currently represents Nice.
5. Daniel James – £25m (Leeds, 2021)
Daniel James joined Manchester United from Swansea in the summer of 2019 for a fee of £15 million plus bonuses. Known for his blistering speed, the Welsh winger couldn’t consistently showcase his full potential at Old Trafford. Although he scored six Premier League goals over two seasons, Manchester United decided to sell him to Leeds, earning a commendable profit from the initial investment.
4. David Beckham – £25m (Real Madrid, 2003)
David Beckham, already a global superstar, departed Manchester United in 2003 to join Real Madrid. Beckham had achieved numerous accolades during his time at United, including the historic continental treble in 1999. However, his relationship with Ferguson became strained, and a move away from the club seemed inevitable. Although a potential transfer to Barcelona was in the works, Beckham ultimately joined Real Madrid for £25 million, kick-starting the next chapter of his illustrious career.
3. Angel Di Maria – £44m (PSG, 2015)
Angel Di Maria’s signing in 2014 seemed like a perfect fit for Manchester United at the time. With a transfer fee of £59 million, he arrived at Old Trafford fresh off an impressive season with Real Madrid, where he played a pivotal role in their Champions League triumph. However, Di Maria struggled to adapt to his new environment, and unfortunate circumstances, including a burglary at his home, further complicated his situation. The pressure of being the club’s main player proved to be overwhelming for him. Manchester United subsequently sold Di Maria to Paris-Saint Germain, and he currently plies his trade at Juventus.
2. Romelu Lukaku – £68m (Inter, 2019)
Romelu Lukaku’s departure from Manchester United to Inter Milan in 2019 was met with mixed feelings among the Red Devils faithful. While some disagreed with the decision to sell him at a loss, others felt it was the right move. Lukaku went on to make a tremendous impact in Serie A, playing a vital role in Inter’s successful 2020-2021 campaign that ended Juventus’ decade-long dominance. Had Lukaku been managed differently, he might have realized his true potential at Old Trafford. Following a less successful stint at Chelsea, Lukaku returned to Inter Milan.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – £80m (Real Madrid, 2009)
In 2009, Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from Manchester United to Real Madrid set a new world record transfer fee. Despite achieving remarkable success with United, including a Ballon d’Or award, Ronaldo outgrew the club and sought a fresh challenge. His time at Real Madrid further solidified his status as one of the greatest players in football history. After a subsequent spell at Juventus, Ronaldo made a sensational return to Manchester United in 2021. However, his second stint ended controversially as he departed mid-season.
As we reflect on Manchester United’s notable sales in recent years, it becomes evident that each transfer has had a profound impact on the club’s fortunes. Some departures led to regret, while others offered opportunities for new talents to shine. As Manchester United continues its journey, the lessons learned from these sales shape the club’s vision for future success.
Ronaldo and Daniel James are the only sales that was a profit, Romelu Lukaku brought for £75m sold for £68m taking a loss, Angel Di Maria brought from Real Madrid £59.7m then sold in 1 year (£44m), this happens with mismanagement from the board, buying players and the players are not fitting into the system or when the board chopping and changing the manager every 2 years. A new manager comes in and if the player doesn’t fit in his style or philosophy, they would have to sell that player, the club would not be in a good negotiating stance because the media would already know the player doesn’t fit the system, so the club ends up selling the player at a loss
Its understandable that one of the biggest club in the world need to win or compete every season, that’s why they try to buy most the players in their prime, making them expensive. If and when the player doesn’t preform or fit in the system, the clubs need to sell them with the club taking a loss.
Catch you in the next one.