Manchester United's most expensive signings
Manchester United have the transfer clout to buy any player in the world.
So says executive vice chairman Ed Woodward who has pledged to back new boss Louis van Gaal to the hilt this summer.
"The reality is that we’re not afraid of spending significant amounts of money in the transfer market," he said.
"Whether it’s a record or not doesn’t really resonate with us. What resonates is that a top, top, elite player, that the manager wants, is going to be a star for Manchester United."
So with United fans all over salivating over just who the Dutchman could choose to spend his money on, here's a rundown on the ten most expensive players in their history.
10. Anderson - £20.8m
Proof if proof were needed that spending money doesn't always guarantee a quality signing.
The Brazilian has struggled to live up to anywhere near his colossal price tag in his time at Old Trafford and looks all but certain to be on the way out this summer.
9. Robin Van Persie - £24m
Where Anderson failed the Dutchman proved that cash can sometimes to get you everwhere.
£24m seemed like a hefty sum for the nearly 30 striker but Sir Alex Ferguson's investment paid off handsomely, his goals delivering a 20th league title.
8. Wayne Rooney - £25.6m
Rooney became the most expensive teenager in English football history when he moved from Everton in 2004.
He started with a bang netting a hat-trick on his Champions League debut and has gone from strength to strength since.
Widely tipped to take both the United and England captain's armbands next season.
7. Luke Shaw - £27m
Shaw smashed Rooney's previous mark when he swapped St Mary's for Old Trafford earlier this summer.
Still only 19 much is expected of the England international as he bids to follow in the footsteps of the departed Patrice Evra.
6. Marouane Fellaini - £27m
Another transfer miss for United, Fellaini has struggled to make an impact in his single season at the club.
Now inextricably linked with David Moyes it remains to be seen whether he can make a fist of it in Manchester.
5. Juan Sebastian Veron - £28.1m
The Argentine made the big money switch to United in 2001 but failed to make his mark with the club.
Despite his stellar reputation he didn't hit the heights and was moved on to Chelsea just two years later.
4. Ander Herrera - £29m
The young Spaniard signed on the dotted line at Old Trafford earlier this summer as one of the first signings of the new Van Gaal era.
At £29m much will be expected of the 24-year-old and he will have to deliver early as one of Van Gaal's midfield lynchpins.
3. Rio Ferdinand - £29.3m
Next up is Rio Ferdinand, who United shelled out a colossal £29.3m for over 10 years ago.
It proved a wise investment though with the former England international going on to make over 450 appearances.
2. Dimitar Berbatov - £30.7m
The Bulgarian became the club's record signing in September 2008.
Despite showing flashes of brilliance in his stay it's fair to say he never fully paid back the giant fee, and was sold to Fulham in 2012.
1. Juan Mata -£37.1m
The diminutive Spaniard was signed by Moyes in a £37.1m deal from Chelsea making him the most expensive player in club history.
With such a price tag much was expected and despite a slowish start Mata grew into the role as his first season wore on.
There should be plenty more to come from him now after six months at the club, and Van Gaal will hope to see a return on his predecessor's hefty investment.
source: http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/manchester-uniteds-most-expensive-signings-3900315
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