Manchester United has a long history in the Premier League, with a slew of high-profile recruits who shone in many areas of the field. Which newcomer, on the other hand, seemed to have the best first season at the club? Despite Anderson's penalty in the Champions League final, the transfer didn't have much of a significant part in the first team at the club.
Eric Cantona – 92/93
Cantona was United's first championship-winning signing, having signed in November and leading them to their first title in 26 years after the season. Following Cantona's arrival, United just lost twice in the competition and ended the season with a 10-point lead at the top.
Roy Keane – 93/94
Signed in the summer of 1993, he solidified his place in the first squad during the season and helped United win their second championship
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Dwight Yorke – 98/99
The man came from Aston Villa carrying a lot of fame behind him and formed a super partnership with Andy Cole, both of whom were instrumental in winning the historic treble and becoming the only club from England to do so in 1998/1999.
Michael Carrick – 06/07
United eventually acquired Michael Carrick for central midfield after selling Ruud van Nistelrooy to Real Madrid. This brought balance to the side and Ferguson's side won their first league title in four years, and their first of three straight league triumphs, thanks to the Tottenham Hotspur recruit. Carrick's ability to create balance and link defence to attack allowed Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, and Louis Saha to run riot on the first day and United never went back.
Robin van Persie – 12/13
He was the missing piece, the keyhole which had been blank for quite some time which wouldn’t let Manchester United win another PL. With Sir Alex considering retirement, he signed the Dutchman from Arsenal for £20 million. United won the League title that year, which was also SAF’s final title and to date United’s last league title.
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Bruno Fernandes – 19/20
Following years of struggling to win the premier league, Fernandes' achievements at the club have drawn comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo's unwavering determination to create chances, score goals and win games. Last season, Fernandes was the reason United finished third rather than fifth or sixth. Fernandes is indeed the cause United were able to finish in second place in the league table rather than fourth or fifth. Bruno played a key part in the Europa League run, up to the final. In his one and a half-season with United, Fernandes did not win any trophies, but he had a Ronaldo-like influence at the club that needs to be recognised.
So, who did it better?
Cantona, without a doubt. Cantona guiding United to the title is difficult to top in terms of absolute effect. In terms of trophies, Yorke's contribution to the treble and Carrick's part in United's one of a hat-trick of league titles (which also included a Champions League triumph and two final appearances) are outstanding. The importance of Keane's contribution to the club, as well as the emotional worth of van Persie's participation in Ferguson's final season at the club, cannot be overlooked. Despite the statistics, Fernandes has yet to win a trophy with United, and this will be a factor against him. Younger United supporters may see Fernandes as the finest signing of all time, but Cantona helping deliver the title after a 26-year wait is going to be near impossible to beat.
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