Manchester United have a history of statement free agent signings, with some making more of an impact than others at Old Trafford
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick celebrates after the Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick will hope to be active in the transfer market this summer(Image: Getty Images)
View 4 Images
Over the years, Manchester United have frequently ventured into the free agent market in a bid to strengthen their squad without breaking the bank. United have made a number of shrewd signings in this manner, with names such as Ballon d’Or winner Michael Owen springing to mind.
Indeed, a transfer of this nature is usually characterised as having a low-risk, high-reward, with United reaping the benefits of this arrangement numerous times. With the expiration of players’ contracts this year on June 30, Michael Carrick’s side may very well test the waters of free agency once more this summer.
Manchester Evening News looks back at some of United’s most audacious free transfers.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
There are few free agent signings as notable as Zlatan Ibrahimovic's move to United in 2016, especially given the Swedish international broke the news of his arrival himself.
“Time to let the world know,” he wrote on social media. “My next destination is Manchester United.”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic smiling and signing his contract for Manchester United in 2016
Zlatan Ibrahimovic signs for Manchester United in 2016(Image: 2016 Manchester United FC)
View 4 Images
United later confirmed the number nine had thought he was justified to announce the news before the club owing to the fact he had more Instagram followers. The Swede started as he meant to go on, instantly imposing his personality around Old Trafford.
Ibrahimovic was handed the coveted number nine shirt, and was reunited with Jose Mourinho, whom he had played under at Inter Milan. The club enticed the then 34-year-old to the club following the expiration of his Paris Saint-Germain contract in the summer of 2016, with Mourinho eager to sign proven winners and those with experience at the top level.
The Swede did not disappoint, as he went on to make 46 appearances across all competitions for United and netted 28 goals in the process. The Old Trafford faithful were enamoured of Ibrahimovic’s debut season, as he helped inspire the club to the League Cup and the Europa League during the 2016/17 season.
Despite the following campaign being littered with injuries, Ibrahimovic thoroughly enjoyed his time in England, which came to an end when he joined LA Galaxy in March 2018. “I had fun,” Ibrahimovic told ESPN, “I’m happy I played for United, which I think is the best team in England.”
Ibrahimovic continued playing until 2023, when he drew the curtain on a career which saw him score over 450 goals for club and country.
Laurent Blanc
Sir Alex Ferguson had attempted to lure centre-back Laurent Blanc to Old Trafford several times since 1996 and finally succeeded in August 2001. During Ferguson’s courtship of the Frenchman, Blanc had won both the World Cup in 1998 and EURO 2000 with Les Bleus. At the age of 35, Blanc was signed as a free agent to replace the departing Jaap Stam.
Following a string of poor performances in the early months of his stay at Old Trafford, Blanc became the subject of heavy criticism from the United faithful as United suffered an unprecedented five defeats in the league by December.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 11: Laurent Blanc and manager Sir Alex Ferguson celebrate with the Barclaycard Premiership trophy after the FA Barclaycard Premiership match between Everton v Manchester United at Goodison Park on May 11, 2003 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Laurent Blanc helped United win the 2002/03 title(Image: John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
View 4 Images
Originally arriving at Old Trafford on a one-year contract, Blanc was rewarded with a fresh one-year contract following an extensive improvement in his and his side’s form following their early season struggles. Blanc’s second season in Manchester saw United return the Premier League title to Old Trafford, and the Frenchman announced his retirement from football shortly after the season’s culmination.
Victor Valdes
For all United’s success in the free agent market, not every signing has delivered the goods at Old Trafford.
In January 2015, United made a statement by signing Barcelona icon Victor Valdes as backup to David De Gea. The Spanish shot-stopper, who had been recovering from a knee injury after leaving Barcelona, had been without a club for several months before eventually penning an 18-month deal with United shortly after the turn of the year.
Victor Valdes shaking hands with Louis van Gaal after signing for Manchester United in January 2015
Victor Valdes with Louis van Gaal after signing for Manchester United in January 2015(Image: John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
View 4 Images
Valdes enjoyed an era of unprecedented success at his boyhood club Barcelona, winning six La Liga titles and three Champions League trophies between 2002 and 2014. The Spaniard knew Louis van Gaal from his time at the Camp Nou, and was happy to compete with De Gea for the number one spot following his return to fitness.
The shot-stopper made his first team debut in May, though the situation soon descended into acrimony at the beginning of the following season when Valdes was left behind on United’s pre-season tour of the United States. Reports at the time suggested Valdes had refused to play for the Under-21 team and the Spaniard was soon placed on United’s transfer list.
Valdes made only two appearances for the club before joining Standard Liege on loan in January 2016, and later signed for newly-promoted Middlesbrough on a free transfer six months later.