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.
13. 9. Dwight Yorke
His 29 goals in all competitions helped fire United to the treble in 1999, and the striker scored vital strikes against Inter Milan and Juventus en route to winning the Champions League. He also netted 24 the season after, but failed to find the same heights in his final two seasons at the club.
14. 8. Robin van Persie
One of the more controversial transfers of the Premier League era, as Arsenal’s posterboy swapped the Emirates for Old Trafford in 2012. Van Persie played every game of Ferguson’s final season, netting 26 in the process, as well four in cup competitions. The Dutchman didn’t maintain the same levels in subsequent years, which is why he isn’t near the top of our list.
15. 7. Andy Cole
His partnership with Yorke is still considered one of the best in Premier League history. Cole spent seven years with the club, winning five league titles and netting 121 goals in a red jersey, which is the 18th highest in United history.
16. 6. Michael Carrick
Spent 12 years as a player at United, winning every trophy possible in that period. Carrick was often underappreciated, but almost always selected in Ferguson’s teams. Joining from Spurs in 2006, the midfielder went on to play 464 times and replaced Wayne Rooney as club captain.