When people think of the biggest football clubs in the world, Manchester United is almost always considered as a result of its incredible history, achievements and hosting some of the best players to have played the sport. Joining the Red Devils is a dream for many football fans, being able to showcase themselves in the Theatre of Dreams in front of the biggest of audiences. However, some players’ trips to the Premier League giants haven’t cemented their name in the club’s history.
So, with that being said, today we will be taking a look at six players who flopped after signing for Manchester United.
Angel Di Maria
Despite having an overall successful career, Angel Di Maria’s time at the Red side of Manchester wasn’t quite the dream Premier League move. During his four-year spell at Real Madrid, making over 120 appearances and picking up a Champions League and La Liga title, he drew the attention of Manchester United for a record fee. His time there only lasted a year, making just over 30 appearances before reviving his career at PSG and even going on to win a World Cup in 2022. For United fans, that 2014 transfer window, filled with excitement, big signings and bold expectations, felt like the club hitting the jackpot in terms of ambition, much like when people look for the top slots to play for entertainment.
Alexis Sanchez
A player that many people, even outside of Manchester, hoped would succeed at Old Trafford is the Chilean winger, Alexis Sanchez. Sanchez shone during his four years at Arsenal, becoming a prolific Premier League winger who brought attention from many of Europe’s top clubs. With United wanting to offload Henrikh Mkhitaryan, a swap deal was agreed. Sanchez saw United as a trophy winning opportunity, but as a result of poor form and injuries, he only spent two years in Manchester, netting only five goals. His career never reached the levels he achieved at Arsenal and became one of the biggest ‘what ifs’ in football.
Donny van de Beek
Donny van de Beek was a hot topic in the 2019/2020 season, impressing as a youngster for Ajax and shining in the European spotlight of the Champions League. Plenty of top European clubs wanted to sign the Dutch midfielder, but it was the pull of Manchester United in 2020 that sealed his signature. However, to everybody’s surprise, van de Beek was barely used by multiple managers or played out of position when given an opportunity, bringing a halt to his bright future. After four years at Old Trafford, he experienced plenty of time on the bench and a couple of failed loan spells at Everton and Frankfurt, damaging the now 28 year olds’ future. In 2025, Donny van de Beek plays his part in Girona’s midfield, where it seems he may have a chance to reignite his career and reach the levels he once pursued.
Wilfried Zaha
Now known for his commitment to Crystal Palace and building his reputation as a legend at Selhurst Park, Wilfried Zaha experienced a nightmare move to his boyhood Manchester United. Zaha shocked the Premier League as a youngster at Palace, forcing Sir Alex Ferguson to sign the youngster as his final involvement with the Red Devils. Unfortunately, as a result of behaviour and off-pitch rumours, no managers gave Zaha a chance, resulting in a series of loans before returning permanently to Crystal Palace. His career wasn’t over, and he was able to find his form that persuaded United to go in for the winger.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Henrikh Mkhitaryan is an ambassador for Armenian football, becoming the first and only from his nation to play in England’s top flight. He’s an iconic name that won’t be forgotten any time soon, but he may want to forget about his time at Manchester United. Coming off the back of a strong campaign with Borussia Dortmund, to the fans' excitement, he signed for the Red Devils, expected to be a star in their squad. His two years at United were filled with inconsistencies, with some great moments, but he was forced out of the club by manager Jose Mourinho, being transferred to Arsenal in a swap deal for Alexis Sanchez.
Jadon Sancho
One of the most recent cases of a player who was tipped to thrive at Manchester United is English winger Jadon Sancho. Sancho moved to Germany as a youngster with dreams of becoming one of the world’s best, and was soon a target for almost every big club in Europe. After years of speculation, in 2021, Sancho finally made his move to Manchester United, where fans couldn’t wait to see him at Old Trafford, but things soon became apparent that he wasn’t the player they had imagined. His inconsistencies on the pitch and tensions with manager Erik Ten Hag left Sancho out of training sessions and games despite his £73 million price tag. As of 2025, he is still a United player, but is currently experiencing a loan spell at Aston Villa, where he hopes to revive his career.
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