Five Players Manchester United Signed But Does Anybody Know Why?
Manchester United are regarded as one of the biggest clubs in Europe and with good reason. However, one does not get to the top without a few hiccups along the way.
Besides external issues, the Red Devils have made some questionable youth signings over the last decade or so. Young players are the heart and core of many teams and even now, players like Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial are proving to be vital for United.
That said, the Manchester club did sign some young players but ultimately seemed like they did not know what to do with them. Let’s take a look at five such players.
Bebe From Vitoria Guimaraes In 2010
When 20-year-old Bebe’s signing was announced it created waves of curiosity among the fans since many didn’t know who he was.
It was a rather off-beat deal but everybody decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. However, Bebe’s performances were never up to par.
The Portuguese lacked quality and it almost seemed puzzling as to why United even approached him for a deal. He made only seven appearances before being shipped out on loan for the next three seasons and was eventually released in 2014.
Memphis Depay From PSV Eindhoven In 2015
Depay arrived at the club at the age of 21 and initially, he was regarded as an exciting young talent. At first, his performances did seem encouraging but as time progressed, Depay’s performances only seemed to deteriorate.
The attacker lacked power up front and cut a sorry figure on the pitch at a time when the Red Devils were desperate for goals. Both Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho failed to push him to do better and the player has refound his abilities at Lyon.
Zoran Tosic From Partizan In 2009
Tosic has now built a reputation for himself but when he came to Old Trafford as a 22-year-old, he barely managed to put up convincing performances.
The wide man’s quality was glaringly below average and he soon lost his place in the side. Tosic was loaned out to Cologne, following a string of lacklustre performances but the player eventually chose to join CSKA Moscow after spending 18 months on United’s books.
Liam Miller From Celtic In 2004
Till date, not many know the reason behind Sir Alex Ferguson’s decision to bring the then-Irish youngster on a free transfer to Old Trafford.
Although his performances for Celtic were quite good, it seemed like the United manager never had any trust or faith in him. In fact, Miller only made nine league appearances for the Red Devils over the course on two seasons – a number which is truly shocking.
Dong Fangzhou From Dalian Shide In 2004
Fangzhou was 19 at the time and it is understandable that a chance to join Manchester United may have seemed like a big deal for the player. However, it turned out to be a bad move.
Although there was an air of excitement surrounding his arrival – he was United’s first East Asian player – Fangzhou’s overall quality proved to be a major let down. He made just one league appearance and was sent back and forth on loan deals until both parties eventually parted ways.