The Year of 1991
Andrei Kanchelskis – £650,000 / Paul Parker – £2m / Peter Schmeichel – £500,000
These three were important players in United’s success during the 1990’s, especially as they helped win Ferguson’s first league title in 1992/93. Paul Parker was United’s first choice right-back before easing Gary Neville into the first team setup. Andrei Kanchelskis was considered as United’s first choice right midfielder, ahead of Lee Sharpe. The Russian was in a very similar situation as Paul Parker, as he was sold due to the introduction of David Beckham from the youth setup.
And perhaps one of United’s best even signings, let alone the best of the 1991 transfer window. Peter Schmeichel, who was mainly unheard of in England at the time of the signing, has been labelled as the “bargain of the century” by Sir Alex Ferguson. The Great Dane is considered to be one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of the game. Schmeichel capped his eight year spell at United with lifting the Champions League as he replaced Roy Keane as captain due to the Irishman’s suspension.
1998/99
Jaap Stam – £10.75m / Dwight Yorke – £12.6m / John O’shea – £0
The transfer of Jaap Stam from PSV to Manchester United was the most expensive for a defender at the time, but it’s safe to say he repaid the fee with his commanding performances at the heart of the defence. He had a great combination of strength and speed, which made it very hard for opponents to get the best of him. Sir Alex admitted that one of the few regrets he had was forcing Stam out of the club, where the Dutchman made the move to Lazio, and found it difficult to replace the centre-back.
The introduction of Dwight Yorke from Aston Villa created the legendary partnership with Andy Cole, who came to United in 1994. The level of understanding between the two was highlighted during Andy Cole’s magnificent finish against Barcelona in the Champions’ League group stage, as great combination play lead to Cole scoring one of the most memorable goals in the clubs history.
This was also the same year John O’shea made the switch from his local team Waterford Bohemians to United’s academy, and later signed his professional contract with the red devils at the age of 17. The ever-reliable utility man was either used anywhere along the back line or as a defensive midfielder during his 13 year spell at the club before joining Sunderland.
2004/05
Wayne Rooney – £27m / Giuseppe Rossi – £175,000 / Gerard Pique – £4.5m
Wayne Rooney’s transfer from Everton to United commanded the highest fee for a player under the age of 20 at the time. Rooney made an instant impact as he scored a hat-trick against Fenerbahce in the Champions League, and never looked back since. The club captain will enter into his 12th season at United this year, only 19 goals behind Sir Bobby’s Charlton’s club record of 249 goals in all competitions.
However, two other young stars also made the move to Old Trafford this year, but couldn’t make the same impact as Rooney and had to apply their trade elsewhere, but would be more than welcomed additions as they’ve found success abroad.
The American-born Italian Giuseppe Rossi moved from Parma to United at the age of 17 and won the Young Player of the Year during his first season. He then followed it up with another individual award the next season, this time winning the Reserve Team Player of the Year. He was also presented with rare first team opportunities over his first two years, and returned with 4 goals from 14 appearances. The striker was sent on loan to Newcastle and Parma during his third and final season under United’s books. He moved to Spain, with United accepting a fee of £6.6 million from Villarreal. His goal tally consistently achieves double figures whilst he remains fit, but injuries have continually halted his progress from becoming one of the elite strikers in the world.
Rossi injured his anterior cruciate ligament and later occurred the same injury, missing the majority of the 2011-12 season, which saw Villarreal become relegated from La Liga. Rossi signed for current club Fiorentina in January 2013, and made his debut on the final day of the season after a lengthy rehab process from the terrible knee injury. Rossi was Serie A’s top goal scorer with 14 goals from 18 games before spraining his knee, which ruled him out until the latter stages of the season. He was unable to regain full fitness in time for the 2014 World Cup, as he was left out of Italy’s 23 man squad. His knee injuries persist as he didn’t make a single appearance during the 2014/15 season. A world class talent thwarted by constant knee injuries.
Gerard Pique has achieved so much success with the likes of Barcelona and Spain, you question whether this is one of the few players Sir Alex made a mistake letting go. He started his career with Barcelona’s youth academy but made the switch to Manchester United at the age of 17. It was hard for Pique to break through into the first team due to the brilliant centre back partnership of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. He made 23 appearances for the first team over 4 seasons. United sold Pique for only £5million, back to Barcelona, who achieved the treble in his first season. This was the same season Barcelona beat United in the Champions League Final in Rome, 2009. His first season was only the start of many club titles and has also won the Euro’s and World Cup with Spain. Most recently, he’s won another treble this season with the Catalan giants, winning La Liga, Copa Del Rey and Champions League.
2005/06
Edwin van der Sar – £2m / Ji-Sung Park – £4m / Nemanja Vidic – £7m / Patrice Evra – £5.5m
Edwin van der Sar is often considered to be the first goalkeeper to the fill the void left by the departure of Peter Schmeichel. Even Sir Alex said that he wished he signed the Dutchman sooner than what he did. Despite being rated at a similar level to Schmeichel, they have contrasting personalities as Edwin had a cool and calming effect on his defenders, rather than the intimidating stature of the Dane. Van der Sar is often known for his match-winning penalty save during the Champions League Final penalty shoot-out in 2008. His retirement in 2011 paved the way for Ferguson to acquire David De Gea from Atletico Madrid.
Very much a fan favourite with his incredible work rate, high energy levels and all round ability, Ji-Sung Park enjoyed seven successful seasons at United. One of the best quotes about the South-Korean “big-game player” comes from Andrea Pirlo’s autobiography, “I Think Therefore I Play”. The Italian maestro stated that “The midfielder must have been the first nuclear-powered South Korean in history, in the sense that he rushed about the pitch at the speed of an electron.”
With the signing of Serbian Nemanja Vidic from Spartak Moscow, it created one of the best central defensive partnerships in recent years, alongside of Rio Ferdinand. Not only did he achieve great team success, his individual performances were recognised, as he won Premier League’s Player of the Season twice in 2009 and 2011. He is also considered as one of the best January signings in the clubs history. His spell at the club ended after 9 seasons after being allowed to leave on a free transfer to Inter Milan.
After his first year settling into his surroundings, and with the departure of Gabriel Heinze to Real Madrid, it paved the way for Patrice Evra to become the first choice left-back at United until his departure to Juventus last year. Evra showed great levels of consistency, especially when it came to his offensive contributions. His experience, leadership and likeability within the dressing room earned him the captain’s armband in numerous games and claimed that he would have become the club captain if he had stayed at United. His last few years at the club was arguably one of his best, but it seemed like United wanted to plan for the long-term, with the signing of Luke Shaw from Southampton.
2012/13
Robin van Persie – £24m
Robin van Persie’s goals in his debut season for United, 26 league, 30 in all competitions, is often credited for the reason why United won the league in Sir Alex’s last season in charge. Even Roberto Mancini publicly stated that he was disappointed by City’s inability of signing the Dutchman, which allowed him to go to their local and title rivals. He may not have had the same effect under David Moyes or Louis Van Gaal, and his future at the club may be in question, but his performances in his first season alone would have made him one of the best signings Sir Alex made.
