Times are hard for Manchester United fans, now more than possibly ever following their embarrassing 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Chelsea…
Many thought that the appointment of Jose Mourinho and the influx of big money signings such as Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan would turn the club’s fortunes around after a miserable few years.
However, it seemingly has gone from bad to worse – from Moyes to Mourinho so to say – as after starting brightly, United are once again failing to prove themselves worthy of a title challenge, providing neither the football nor the results their fans crave.
The club’s transfer policy over the past few years, since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, has been questionable – as none of their arrivals in the past three campaigns have managed to make a significant impact at the club.
Sir Alex was famed for his acute transfers and getting the best value for money, with very few of his signings deemed unsuccessful during his tenure.
In fact, some of his best were loan players, and our landlord thinks these three might be the best loan signings the Scotsman ever made for the Red Devils, do you agree?
Henrik Larsson
Celtic and Sweden’s greatest ever player, Larsson joined United on a two-month loan in early 2007 from Helsingborgs during the Swedish league’s off-season. A debut goal against Aston Villa, followed by two more strikes against Watford and OSC Lille in his next 11 appearances meant his short spell at United had been a success.
The former Barcelona striker received a Premier League winner’s medal as special compensation despite not technically making enough appearances and turned down an extended deal at the club in order to end his career in his home country.
Carlos Tevez
The Argentine’s loan fee was sure a hefty one, £10.65 million to be precise, however his glittering spell at United still counts as a loan and hence the striker makes this list.
Tevez formed part of possibly the most devastating attacking line-up in Premier League history during his two year tenure at Old Trafford as he played alongside Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and of course Cristiano Ronaldo in what was a golden era for the club. 34 goals in just under 100 appearances for United, two Premier League titles, a Champions League winners medal and a League Cup victory means he went down as a United great, despite leaving for rivals Manchester City.
Tomasz Kuszczak
Now the name Tomasz Kuszczak may not stand up there with the likes of the two aforementioned, but the Polish international was somewhat of a saving grace for United during his time at the club.
Kuszczak joined United in a loan-turned-permanent deal back in 2006, and in a pre-David De Gea era became the second choice keeper for almost five seasons behind the legendary Edwin Van de Sar. While the former West Brom keeper claimed that Sir Alex had ‘held his career back’, Kuszczak put in a number of solid performances for the Red Devils over the years.
