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.
17. 5. Edwin van der Sar
One of United’s greatest-ever goalkeepers and the star of the 2008 Champions League final win over Chelsea. After years of struggling to find a long-term replacement for Peter Schmiechel, one finally arrived in 2005 when the Dutchman joined from Fulham for just £2m. In six seasons at United, Van der Sar was voted in the PFA Team of the Year three times.
18. 4. Rio Ferdinand
Few could believe when United paid just shy of £30m for the defender in 2002, or that he moved from Leeds to Old Trafford, but Ferdinand proved to be one of Ferguson’s greatest-ever signings. He played over 450 games for the club, won six league titles and formed one half of perhaps the best Premier League centre-back partnership, alongside Nemanja Vidic.
19. 3. Roy Keane
Signed from recently relegated Nottingham Forest in 1993, the Irishman just about qualifies for this list. Keane spent 12 and a half years at the club and collected 13 major honours, including seven titles. But it was the midfielder’s ability to raise the standards of others, and battle in the centre which made him such a United legend.
20. 2. Eric Cantona
His arrival from Leeds in 1992 started a dynasty for United and proved to be the final piece of the puzzle for Ferguson, He netted 82 goals in 185 appearances and was the leader to the emerging young talent at Old Trafford in the mid-’90s, while his FA Cup final-winning goal in 1996 is now part of Old Trafford folklore.