Manchester United’s most expensive transfer fees: 10 players United has paid more on

Henry

Sept 2, 2022

Manchester United’s most expensive transfer fees

Manchester United are no strangers to spending large sums of money in the transfer market.

Their search for Premier League success has come at a huge cost in recent years as they spend big in an attempt to turn their fortunes around.

The Red Devils have once again splashed the cash for the 2022/23 season with two of their new signings over the summer entering the club's top 10 list for most expensive transfer fees.

That entire top 10 has notably arrived since Sir Alex Ferguson stepped aside as manager with the club struggling to fill his void with quality signings on the pitch.

Manchester United's top 10 most expensive signings in history...

10. Fred Signed: July 1, 2018

Transfer fee: €59 million (£50m/$59.2m)
Previous club: Shakhtar Donetsk

The Brazilian midfielder struggled to live up to his price tag early on during his career at Old Trafford but has gradually won over fans with more consistent performances.

9. Anthony Martial Signed: September 1, 2015

Transfer fee: €60 million (£50.9m/$60.2m)
Previous club: Monaco

After starring in France, Martial has never quite hit the same heights in England with the Red Devils. While chipping in with his fair share of goals, the forward has never conclusively answered the club's number nine woes.

8. Bruno Fernandes Signed: January 29, 2020

Transfer fee: €63 million (£53.4m/$63.2m)
Previous club: Sporting CP

The Portuguese attacker was a long-term target for Manchester United and didn't take long to prove why once he finally arrived at Old Trafford. One of few players that have justified their big transfer fees in recent years.
7. Casemiro Signed: August 19, 2022
Transfer fee: €70.6 million (£59.9m/$70.8m)
Previous club: Real Madrid

After the Red Devils' struggles to sign a midfielder, they surprised many by pulling off a swoop for Casemiro. The Brazilian had been a key part of Real Madrid's success over the past several years and it's hoped he can bring some of that winning mentality with him to Old Trafford.

Madrid ➡️ Manchester#MUFC pic.twitter.com/mAPUCeXRkZ — Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 19, 2022

6. Angel Di Maria Signed: August 26, 2014

Transfer fee: €75 million (£63.6m/$75.3m)
Previous club: Real Madrid

It was a stint to forget for the Argentine in Manchester with Di Maria sold for a €12 million loss to PSG after just one season. The attacking midfielder never lived up to the hype in the Premier League but has gone on to impress in Paris.

5. Romelu Lukaku Signed: July 10, 2017

Transfer fee: €84.7 million (£71.8m/$85m)
Previous club: Everton

Much like Di Maria, Lukaku's time at Old Trafford was relatively short and unsuccessful. The Belgian striker averaged less than a goal every two games and was sold after just two seasons to Inter Milan for a €10 million loss.

4. Jadon Sancho Signed: July 23, 2021

Transfer fee: €85 million (£72.1m/$85.3m)
Previous club: Borussia Dortmund

The English attacker had long been in the sights of the Red Devils, who had to pay a huge sum for Sancho after he consistently impressed in the Bundesliga. He's yet to do the same with United but time is still on his side to prove his value.

3. Harry Maguire Signed: August 5, 2019

Transfer fee: €87 million (£73.8m/$87.3m)
Previous club: Leicester City

The current Manchester United captain was always going to struggle to deal with such a large transfer fee - particularly as a centre-back. Maguire has shown signs of quality at times but fans have never really felt he was worth such a massive sum.

2. Antony Signed: September 1, 2022

Transfer fee: €95 million (£82.2m/$95.3m)
Previous club: Ajax

Having already sold Lisandro Martinez to United in the 2022 summer window, Ajax played hardball over the fee for Brazil international Antony. Eventually, United agreed to a deal that could rise to €100m (£86.5m/$100.3m) to land manager Erik ten Hag's top attacking target.
1. Paul Pogba Signed: August 9, 2016
Transfer fee: €105 million (£89m/$105.4m)
Previous club: Juventus

After letting Pogba leave for free in 2012, the Red Devils decided they wanted him back four years later and paid a record sum for the privilege. The French midfielder returned to Old Trafford but was regularly sidelined with injuries and was ultimately allowed to re-join Juventus on a free transfer in 2022.