Manchester United Transfer Rumours: Red Devils' 10 Greatest Summer Deals
The mood around Miami seems a little bit bleak lately. Maybe it's the lockout, or maybe this fan base has started to become an innately pessimistic one.
In the midst of our complaining, worrying, and speculating, this team's sheer depth and skill has gone largely overlooked. Truthfully, Miami has the makings of a playoff team.
This defense ranked sixth in the league last year and should only improve, the team drafted two rookies who project to make significant impacts, and might pursue an upgrade at quarterback once a new CBA is installed.
Although it's too early to say it now, the Dolphins looked poised to make a playoff push—on paper, at least.
10. Javier Hernandez
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Its not often the announcement of a six million pound signing is greeted with a "who?", but so it was Chicarito, who United signed up prior to last summers World Cup.
It looked a shrewd investment on early showings, goals against France and Argentina capped off pacey displays, but no one could foretell his impact on the subsequent season.
The Mexican has been nothing short of a revelation, scoring vital goals both domestically and in Europe, forcing the league's top scorer to the bench.
Give it a few years and he should be higher up this list.
9. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
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Alex Ferguson certainly has a penchant for picking up unknown players and nurturing them into stars.
No one was more bemused than the commentators when United picked up the Norwegian from Molde in 1997.
Solskjaer got to grips with the English game quicker than they got to grips with his name though, firing 18 goals in his opening season.
He would go on to score almost 100 league goals, and of course the crucial strike in the 1999 Champions League final.
8. Ruud Van Nistelrooy
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After a cruciate ligament injury scuppered his original move, United paid what seemed an exorbitant sum for a player unproven outside the Dutch league.
Within a matter of months, he underlined his class, breaking the record for scoring in successive games. He would go to claim the Golden Boot and the Player of the Year accolade to compliment his league title in 2003.
He may have fell out of favour in his final season, but Van Nistelrooy was as fine a goalscorer as has darkened the Old Trafford door.
7. Denis Irwin
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An unheralded arrival, Irwin moved to United from Oldham for £625,000 in 1990.
His versatility, consistency, and prowess from set pieces made him one of the first names on the team sheet during his 12 years residence at Old Trafford.
In a remarkable career, he won seven league titles, three FA Cups and a Champions League despite never attracting the attention of his team mates.
6. Rio Ferdinand
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Paying a world record fee for a defender, United acquired the English centre half after a commanding performance at the 2002 World Cup.
He was a league champion in his first season, but early years were plagued by losses of concentration, forgetting to attend drug tests as well as track runners.
He matured though, and has contributed handsomely to United's recent success forming an indomitable partnership with Nemanja Vidic.
5. Edwin Van Der Sar
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Peter Schmeichel left a rather large void in United's goal in more than ways than one, but no one could imagine just how hard it would be to fill.
A litany of custodians were tried with various degrees of failure, but in 2005 plumped for the veteran Van Der Sar who had been plying his trade at Fulham.
It may have seemed a strange decision to purchase a 34-year-old, but his Old Trafford career has featured four league titles and a European Cup and he spars well with the Great Dane when United goalkeeping immortality is being discussed.
United will be praying for an smoother replacement drive on this occasion
4. Wayne Rooney
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After a spectacular showing at Euro 2004, United moved for the 18-year-old prodigy just pipping Newcastle to his signature.
Initial concerns over profilgacy in front of goal were quickly shattered by a debut hat-trick and Rooney quickly settled into the demands of a career at Old Trafford.
He reached his nadir last season, and although he started this season in less than stellar fashion both on and off the field, he's firmly back in favour and on his way to becoming one of United's all-time greats.
3. Peter Schmeichel
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"The bargain of the century" was how Sir Alex Ferguson described him, and who are we to disagree?
Plucked from the obscurity of the Danish First Division in 1991, he immediately commandeered the number one jersey.
Schmeichel would eventually leave a heroic and legendary figure, and fittingly, with a Champions League medal.
2. Roy Keane
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Another signing which broke the transfer record, Keane more than justified the original £3.75 million outlay.
He forced himself into a competitive midfield and delivered immediately, eventually earning the captaincy after the retirement of Eric Cantona.
Despite his acrimonious departure, he retains hero status at Old Trafford, and United crave a player of his calibre now than ever.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
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Instant impact? Check. Pivotal in major successes? Check. Astronomical return on investment? Check. This one ticks all the boxes.
From the instant he stepped onto the field in August 2003 and bamboozled the Bolton defence, Ronaldo looked a superstar.
He won it all during a magnificent six year spell, and United were able to sell him for a £68 million profit.
Another signing or two like that this summer wouldnt go astray.
