5 signings that dramatically changed Manchester United’s fortunes
Manchester United are the most successful club to grace English football. The Red Devils boast more league title wins than any other Premier League team. The club’s fans can brag of a rich history that has seen them win multiple domestic and continental honors at various stages of their history.
Inarguably, Manchester United are footballing royalty in Europe.
It is therefore fitting that over the course of the club's history, many great players have pulled on the club's hallowed red shirt. Some of these players came through the club’s fantastic academy setup, growing to become some of the finest players with a distinct United identity.
Some of the players were, however, acquired from other clubs, but that didn't stop them from writing their names in the club's esteemed annals. While there have been many talented players signed by the Red Devils over the years, let's take a look at five signings who changed the club's fortunes:
#5 Edwin van der Sar | Manchester United legend
When he was brought into Old Trafford by then-manager Alex Ferguson, Edwin van der Sar's duty was to replace the legendary Peter Schmeichel. This was hardly an easy feat, but the Dutchman took on the task with grace and brilliance, becoming one of the best goalkeepers in United's history.
Edwin van der Sar cost Manchester United £2m.
At 38 years old, he went 1,311 minutes without conceding a Premier League goal - a record that has not been broken.
He even saved a trophy... https://t.co/D3vhy6SKVk
The legend held down the defense for United, guiding the club to three consecutive Premier League title wins. His best ever season at the club saw the former Dutch international concede just 22 EPL goals, a feat that can hardly be bested, even today.
Van der Sar's quality goalkeeping also saw the club win seven other trophies, meaning the star's total trophy haul was 10 trophies in just six years at the club.
#4 Rio Ferdinand | Manchester United legend
When Alex Ferguson signed Rio Ferdinand from Leeds for a shocking £41.5 million back in 2002, it seemed too crazy to understand. However, the legendary manager had sighted one of the best ever defenders to grace the EPL, and though Ferdinand was still young, the star blossomed.
Paired with Nemanja Vidic, Ferdinand became one of the most ruthless defenders in the history of the league.
🏽 #UELfinalCelebrations beginning in Stockholm... @ChampionsLeague football will be returning to OT! Get in @ManUtd 🏆👊🏽 #UELfinal https://t.co/S7kxovmikt
He would go on to spend 12 years at Old Trafford, easily paying back the club's massive investment in him. Aside from a UEFA trophy in 1999 with West Ham, the bulk of Rio Ferdinand's trophy cabinet is filled due to his time at Manchester United.
Ferdinand won six Premier League titles, two League Cups, four FA Cups, a FIFA Club World Cup, and a Champions League trophy, all in just over a decade.