Manchester United are a club that likes to operate in the January transfer market.
Erik ten Hag‘s side could certainly do with some January acquisitions this season. Manchester United have been struck with a plethora of injuries and lacks a goalscorer – which means they could certainly dip into the market for a couple of signings.
This has been apparent in the past, with former Red Devils’ bosses like Sir Alex Ferguson and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer picking up some gems.
So, with this – let’s take a look at six of Manchester United’s best January signings of all time.
Louis Saha
Louis Saha was on Alex Ferguson’s radar after he scored 15 goals in the first half of the Premier League 2003/04 season, which is why they snapped him up in January.
United were rewarded immediately, with Saha netting seven goals in his first ten games at Old Trafford. Saha looked to be the next great United striker, but in years to come – injuries would plague the Frenchman.
He eventually left Manchester in 2008, departing to Everton. He left with 42 goals in 120 games, but if he hadn’t been injury-ridden, who knows what he could’ve achieved in red?
Andy Cole
When Andy Cole left Newcastle United for Manchester United in January 1995, there was shock on both sides – but the emotion for the Red Devils was sheer elation.
Cole was one of the most prolific strikers in the Premier League and would come to show his goal-scoring talents at Manchester United in absolutely no time.
Cole spent six years with United and won nine trophies, including the Treble of the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League in 1999 – scoring 121 goals in the process.
Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes is the only current United player to be featured on this list. The Portuguese Magnifico was signed by Solksjaer in January 2020 from Sporting Lisbon.
Since then, he’s become arguably the most important player Manchester United have – and currently resides as their captain under Erik ten Hag’s regime.
In 2021, Bruno was voted the ‘Best January Premier League signing of all-time‘ after 28 goals and 18 assists in his first 53 matches. He’s slowed down since – but remains an iconic winter signing to this day.
Patrice Evra
Patrice Evra was picked up in January 2006 and had a fabulous career at Old Trafford.
This included five Premier League, a Champions League and so much more in his 379 appearances for the Red Devils.
The Frenchman was tenacious, energetic, quality in attack and defence, and ultimately, one of the best Premier League full-backs of all time.
Juan Mata
Juan Mata signed for United on January 24, 2014, transferring from Chelsea for a then-club record fee.
Mata quickly became a fan favourite at Old Trafford, renowned for being the tricky magician in the heart of United’s midfield.
His best moments include the stunning scissor kick against Liverpool in 2015 and his contributions to United’s FA Cup and Europa League victories.
Nemanja Vidic
When Nemanja Vidic joined United from Spartak Moscow in 2006, not much was known about the Serbian centre-back.
It’s safe to say the entirety of the footballing world knows about him now. He won it all at Old Trafford, including three consecutive Premier League titles, and five in total, the UEFA Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup and three League Cups.
The notorious hard man may be Manchester United’s greatest January signing of all time, and possibly even the Premier League’s.