Manchester United are certainly a powerhouse, not just in English football but in the world too. They have created numerous records when it comes to transfers. The club has broken the British transfer record on a couple of occasions already. However, they have a prudent side to their game and it has already been visible several times. There have been numerous bargain buys – especially in the last 10 years – but some of them are clearly above the rest. Here are the top three bargain buys for Manchester United in the last 10 years.
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Michael Carrick (From Tottenham for £18 million in 2006)
The exit of Roy Keane left Manchester United with a huge void in the central midfield position. Sir Alex Ferguson’s idea to replace Keane with Carrick was viewed with scepticism by many. The decision to pay a whopping £18 million – one of the most expensive midfielders at that time – was also derided by some critics. However, the England international turned out into one of the best investments made by the club.
He has gone on to make more than 400 appearances for the club in all competitions. He may not create headlines, but he has truly excelled as a defensive as well as a central midfielder. Carrick has been a major factor in United lifting five league titles and one Champions League medal since his move from Spurs.
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Chris Smalling (From Fulham for £7 million in 2010)
Manchester United have always prized young players from other clubs for a substantial transfer fee. Many, though, have failed to make the first-team grade or failed to sustain their first-team place for long. Smalling has been different, as he has made consistent progress to the point where he is now considered as an England regular. Smalling made his debut for England one year after the move to Old Trafford. Since then, he has featured in 29 international games and more than 200 games for United.
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David de Gea (From Atletico Madrid for £17.8 million in 2011)
A British transfer record fee for a goalkeeper may not necessarily sound like a bargain, but the case with David de Gea is an exception. Even though the Spaniard initially struggled at United, he has transformed into one of the best in the world over the last couple of years. A first team regular with the Spain, De Gea has the potential to offer more than a decade of excellent service for United. De Gea has already made more than 200 appearances for the club, and it is frightening to think that he is only 25.
