“`html
Manchester United‘s Transfer Spending: A Decade of High-Profile Acquisitions
Manchester,England – June 12,2024 – Manchester United has consistently been among the world’s biggest spenders in the transfer market,especially over the last decade. Recent activity, coupled with past investments, highlights the club’s strategy of acquiring both established stars and promising young talent. This report details ten of the most significant transfers,ranked by fee,offering insight into the successes and challenges of United’s recruitment policy.
1- Brian Melbumo – 82 million euros (from Brentford 2025)
In a significant move ahead of the 2025-2026 season, Manchester United secured the services of Cameroonian striker Brian Melbumo from Brentford for a substantial fee of 82 million euros. Despite Melbumo having only one year remaining on his contract, United acted decisively, recognizing his extraordinary talent demonstrated over previous seasons in the Premier league. Melbumo, who grew up supporting the club, expressed immense enthusiasm about joining, fueling optimism among the fanbase.Brentford, managed by Thomas Frank at the time of the transfer, reportedly used a portion of the funds to rebuild their attacking line.
2- Rasmus Hojlund – 77.8 million euros (from Atalanta 2023)
Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund joined Manchester United in August 2023 for 77.8 million euros, beating competition from clubs including Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich. The 20-year-old forward had impressed during his single season with Atalanta in Serie A, scoring 9 goals in 32 appearances.United manager Erik ten Hag identified Hojlund as a key component in revitalizing the team’s attack, citing his pace, physicality, and goal-scoring potential.The deal included an initial fee of £64 million, with an additional £13.8 million in potential add-ons.
3- Angel Di Maria – 75 million euros (from Real Madrid 2014)
Argentine winger Angel Di Maria arrived at Manchester United in 2014 for a fee of 75 million euros, following a stellar season with Real Madrid and a prominent role in Argentina’s 2014 World Cup campaign. While his initial performances were promising, Di Maria struggled to adapt to life in Manchester, with his family reportedly unhappy with the city. His wife,Jorgelina Cardoso,publicly criticized the surroundings. He departed for Paris Saint-germain after just one season, scoring 3 goals in 32 appearances for United.
4- Matias Kounou – 74.2 million euros (from Wolverhampton 2025)
Manchester United completed the signing of Matias Kounou from Wolverhampton Wanderers for 74.2 million euros in the early stages of the 2025-2026 season. The transfer was prompted by a challenging period for United, which finished 15th in the Premier League the previous season, necessitating significant attacking reinforcements. Kounou had established himself as a prolific goalscorer for Wolverhampton, netting 27 goals and providing 13 assists across his two previous seasons.United manager Robin Amorim was instrumental in pushing for the deal, viewing Kounou as a crucial addition to the squad.
5- Harry Maguire – 80 million euros (from Leicester City 2019)
Harry Maguire became the world’s most expensive defender when he joined Manchester United from Leicester City in August 2019 for a reported £80 million. The England international was brought in to shore up United’s defense, but his time at the club was marked by inconsistency and criticism.
6- Paul Pogba – 89 million euros (from Juventus 2016)
Paul Pogba returned to Manchester United from Juventus in 2016 for a then-world-record fee of 89 million euros. The French midfielder showed flashes of brilliance but often struggled to live up to the expectations associated with his price tag.
7- Romelu Lukaku – 84.6 million euros (from Everton 2017)
