Manchester United have made over a dozen new players since Sir Jim Ratcliffe bought a stake in the Red Devils last year. The 13-time Premier League champions are looking to recapture their glory days at Old Trafford after failing to taste success in the league since 2013.
After a series of underwhelming campaigns, United will be hoping that their current squad can once again propel them into the upper echelons of English football. And if he can do that, Ratcliffe may be able to congratulate himself on a job well done. However, if the team is insufficient, the businessman will face many difficult problems. Express Sport then scored all 12 players signed by Manchester United under Ratcliffe.
Benjamin Sesco | £74m | B
United signed Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig in August after Arsenal reportedly opted to sign Viktor Gökeres at the Slovenian’s expense. Sesco had to wait until his first start and took some time to settle into England. However, the 22-year-old has found the back of the net in the last two Premier League games and could be a great goalscorer under manager Ruben Amorim.
Brian Mbeumo | £65 million |
Brian Mbeumo cost United £65m when he joined from Brentford in July after a long transfer pursuit. He has injected speed and energy into United’s front line and is already a key player under the new manager. He has only contributed one goal and one assist so far, but could be a valuable asset for United if he can ultimately help the team score more goals over the season.
Matheus Cunha | £62.5m | C
He was touted as an exciting signing after excelling at Wolves last season, but he has underperformed in the early stages of his career at Old Trafford. He has started just one of United’s last five top-flight games since his injury and could already be second to Mason Mount in the attacking pecking order. However, if his manager sticks to his beliefs, he will surely reap the rewards.
Senne Ramens | £18 million | B
He arrived at the end of the summer transfer window and looks like he has already made some upgrades during the transfer window. He was given his first Premier League start in the last game against Sunderland, but this time he was on the losing side.
Diego Leon | £7m | D
Despite making his first-team debut for United, he was harsh in his assessment after playing just 45 minutes in the Under-21s’ match against Liverpool. The 18-year-old will be expected to get more opportunities as the season progresses.
Manuel Ugarte | £51m | F
Arguably United’s biggest failure during the Ratcliffe era, following his £51m move from Paris Saint-Germain a year ago. Last season he wasn’t convincing and this time he was fooled into flattering. He has had little impact in recent games against Manchester City and Brentford and will struggle to maintain his place in the first team this season.
Joshua Zirkzee | £36.5m | E
He failed to perform well after joining the Red Devils from Bologna last summer and was linked with a return to Italy just a few months after arriving in England. They have fallen down the table this summer and I don’t think they will have a long-term positive impact on the club.
Aiden Haven | £1.5m | C
United signed Aiden Haven from Arsenal in February, with the North West Giants reportedly paying the Gunners around £1.5m in compensation to sign the teenager. Although he hasn’t had much game time yet, he has all the technical and physical attributes to succeed in Manchester.
Matthijs de Ligt | £43m | B
He enjoyed good results last season and has brought new discoveries at Old Trafford this season as well. He is currently considered the most influential defender on his team, possessing plenty of speed and defensive ability.
Patrick Dorg | £25m | D
He started the season as a left-sided wing-back to Amorim, but was dropped to the bench against Sunderland before the international break. It will no longer be clinically sufficient.
Yoro Lenny | £59 million | B
The 19-year-old appears to have a big future in the top flight, having performed well as a right-winger in a back three. He’s always calm, but he’ll do his best to help the team keep more clean sheets.
Nouser Mazraoui | £17m | B
An outstanding defender thanks to his physical presence and ability on the ball. He has been plagued by injuries this season, but once he fully recovers he will be an integral part of the team.
