It looks set to be a busy summer of transfer activity at Manchester United, with the Red Devils reportedly interested in bringing in new additions from Premier League rivals.
The likes of Harry Kane, Declan Rice, John McGinn and Kalvin Phillips have been mooted as stars Erik ten Hag could look to lure to Old Trafford, in addition to overseas players who have been linked with a move.
But should United sign players from a Premier League club, it would continue a long tradition of recruiting a new player and simultaneously weakening a rival.
There are no shortage of examples, and some of the Red Devils’ greatest players over the last 30 years have been lured from a fellow Premier League side.
So we’re counting down the 21 best signings United have made from clubs in the division.
This list obviously excludes players signed from abroad, or prior to 1992 when the Premier League was formed. Players bought from English clubs not playing in the top flight also don’t count, nor do academy signings.
9. 13. Ashley Young
Signed from Aston Villa in 2011, the wideman began his time at United as a trickery winger before dropping into a full-back role. It was in the latter position where Young played his best football for the Red Devils, and was made captain after Antonio Valencia’s departure.
10. 12. Antonio Valencia
Won six major honours with United and played from Ferguson’s final years up until Solskjaer’s time as manager. Like Young, Valencia transitioned from a rapid winger to a reliable defender and collected three personal awards for his performances in the 2011/12 campaign.
11. 11. Teddy Sheringham
A man who scored one of the most famous goals in United history, Sheringham made up a quarter of United’s formidable attacking options in the 1998/99 treble season. In total, the forward scored 46 goals and was voted PFA and FWA Player of the Year in the 2000/01 campaign.
12. 10. Dimitar Berbatov
One of United slickest-ever players, the Bulgarian cost just over £30m to prise from Tottenham Hotspur in 2008. The striker finished as top Premier League scorer in 2010/11 season and netted that memorable hat-trick against Liverpool during his time at the club