Manchester United have been involved in some of the biggest transfer deals in Premier League and football history.
Managers over the years have certainly known how to splash the cash. Despite Manchester United’s very competent academy system, there’s sometimes a need to spend big in order to improve the first-team squad.
It’s vital to invest in order to win as many trophies as possible. Some big-money names signed in the past have gone on to become legends for the club… however, some have, quite frankly, flopped.
Andrey Santos is the latest big money Manchester United additions to add the list. So, with this – here is a look at how United’s record deals rank over the years…
Manchester United’s Most Expensive Transfers of All Time
Manchester United’s most expensive transfers of all time
- Paul Pogba
Signed from Juventus in 2016: £89 million
- Antony
Signed from Ajax in 2022: £81.3 million
- Harry Maguire
Signed from Leicester City in 2019: £80 million
- Romelu Lukaku
Signed from Everton in 2017: £75 million
- Jadon Sancho
Signed from Borussia Dortmund in 2020: £72.6 million
- Benjamin Sesko
Signed from RB Leipzig in 2025: £66.3 million
- Bryan Mbeumo
Signed from Brentford in 2025: £65 million
- Rasmus Hojlund
Signed from Atalanta in 2023: £64 million
- Matheus Cunha
Signed from Wolves in 2025: £62.5 million
- Casemiro
Signed from Real Madrid in 2022: £60 million
- Angel di Maria
Signed from Real Madrid in 2014: £59.7 million
- Mason Mount
Signed from Chelsea in 2023: £55 million plus add-ons
- Leny Yoro
Signed from Lille in 2024: £52 million plus add-ons
- Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Signed from Crystal Palace in 2019: £50 million
- Andrey Santos
Signed from Chelsea in 2026: £48 million plus add-ons
- Bruno Fernandes
Signed from Sporting in 2020: £47 million plus add-ons
- Fred
Signed from Shakhtar in 2018: £47 million
- Lisandro Martinez
Signed from Ajax in 2022: £46 million plus add-ons
- Andre Onana
Signed from Inter Milan in 2023: £43 million plus add-ons
- Manuel Ugarte
Signed from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024: £42.4 million plus add-ons
- Matthijs de Ligt
Signed from Bayern Munich in 2024: £38 million plus add-ons
- Juan Mata
Signed from Chelsea in 2014: £37 million
- Anthony Martial
Signed from Monaco in 2015: £36 million plus add-ons
- Joshua Zirkzee
Signed from Bologna in 2024: £36 million
- Donny van de Beek
Signed from Ajax in 2020: £35 million plus add-ons
- Raphael Varane
Signed from Real Madrid in 2021: £34.2 million plus add-ons
- Victor Lindelof
Signed from Benfica in 2017: £31 million
- Memphis Depay
Signed from PSV Eindhoven in 2015: £31 million
- Dimitar Berbatov
Signed from Tottenham in 2008: £30.75 million
- Rio Ferdinand
Signed from Leeds in 2002: £30 million
- Eric Bailly
Signed from Villarreal in 2016: £30 million
Hits and misses
We have tried to keep the above list simple with the main transfer fees as opposed to including add-ons as the main fee. Otherwise, Amad would be in there, but just £19 million of his £37 million fee was paid upfront, with the rest in incentive-laden bonuses. Indeed, Anthony Martial’s Ballon d’Or clause was never activated.
There have been many hits and misses through the years. Most would argue United have not got anywhere near the full value on the £89 million paid for Paul Pogba. Angel di Maria lasted just one season, and Romelu Lukaku only two.
Bruno Fernandes already looks like a bargain, and hopefully, Matheus Cunha will represent similar value for money.
Lower down the list, British players like Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand have all provided outstanding value to the club over their careers.
- Every Man Utd loanee for the 2026/27 season
- Three standout World Cup stars proved that Man Utd should have done everything in their power to sign them
- Sir Alex Ferguson’s approach to Lisandro Martinez proves why ‘writing off’ Man Utd star is now premature
- The Man Utd coach connection behind Tynan Thompson’s big career accomplishment
- Michael Carrick could still implement Sir Alex Ferguson’s Man Utd ‘plan’ for post-World Cup, he saw it in action
- Godwill Kukonki now has extra motivation to sign a long-term Manchester United deal
- Senne Lammens already knows how to conquer his World Cup setback and answer is in his first Man Utd words
- Tynan Thompson’s transfer is not a gamble by Man Utd, £1m steal in 2025 is the success template
- Man United fans have made up their mind about selling Lisandro Martinez after his World Cup final injury
- After watching World Cup final, I saw Marcus Rashford ‘smokescreen’ lifted after £76m-rated player’s impact
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
