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Top 10 Manchester United signings of the decade

By Prathamesh Murugesan

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates with the Barclays Premier League trophy, after the game (Photo by Martin Rickett/PA Images via Getty Images)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates with the Barclays Premier League trophy, after the game (Photo by Martin Rickett/PA Images via Getty Images) /
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 12: Rio Ferdinand and Ashley Young of Manchester United celebrate with the Barclays Premier League trophy in the dressing room after the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Swansea at Old Trafford on May 12, 2013 in Manchester, England. (Photo by John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 12: Rio Ferdinand and Ashley Young of Manchester United celebrate with the Barclays Premier League trophy in the dressing room after the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Swansea at Old Trafford on May 12, 2013 in Manchester, England. (Photo by John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images) /

#9 Ashley Young (around £15 million from Aston Villa in 2011)

Many people forget just how good Ashley Young was under Ferguson. He signed for United as an exciting young winger in 2011 for an undisclosed fee from Aston Villa.

Young gradually came to be known for scoring outrageous goals, not least the two screamers he scored against Arsenal in that 8-2 win.

In fact, he also became first choice on the left wing ahead of Angel Di Maria when the Argentine was out of form.

United’s injury crisis in defense first prompted van Gaal to try him out as a left wingback. He grew into the role, and continued to be a reliable option for Mourinho and Solskjær. He also provides a useful option from corners and free kicks.

The 34-year-old may not be the most popular United captain, but he’s still an important squad player at the club. Shaw is still very susceptible to injury, and Young will prove to be a good mentor for 19-year-old Brandon Williams.

For the first time in a while, United have 3 decent options at left back who provide a good mix of youth and experience. With squad depth being low in several other positions, Solskjær at least has one less headache to deal with.

At his age, Young doesn’t have much longer at Old Trafford. It’s about time that United fans recognize him for his contributions to the club, the special moments that he’s given them, and the calm figure he’s been in a turbulent period of transition. For a fee of around £15 million, that’s not bad at all.

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