Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has finally managed to get a new face through the door at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils have managed to secure the signing of Dutch defender Tyrell Malacia having jumped ahead of Lyon to commit him to a four-year deal at the club. They have paid £12.9m for his signature with the hope that the 22-year-old can represent ten Hag’s long-term option at left-back.
The ex-Feyenoord man’s arrival is just the start of the huge rebuild required at Old Trafford but his arrival is a promising start. With Man United now having finally kicked off their much-needed summer business, Mirror Sport takes a look back to see how each of Ten Hag’s predecessors have fared on their first venture into the market.
Sir Alex Ferguson: Viv Anderson from Arsenal - 7/10
Becoming a Manchester United player 35 years ago, Anderson holds the esteemed title of being the first player welcomed to the club by iconic manager Sir Alex Ferguson. The Nottingham-born defender was instantly installed as the Red Devils’ first-choice right-back for the 1987/88 and 1988/89 seasons but dropped out of the side after that.
Despite not playing in the final, he claimed an FA Cup winners’ medal and then departed Old Trafford in 1991 on a free transfer to Sheffield Wednesday having lost his place to Denis Irwin.
David Moyes: Marouane Fellaini from Everton - 6/10
It took another 24 years before another Man Utd manager made their first signing at Old Trafford and when it did happen, it left everyone perplexed. Having replaced Sir Alex at the helm, new boss David Moyes made one of his former Everton stars Marouane Fellaini his first signing.
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The Red Devils paid £27.5m for the Belgian on deadline day despite his release clause being much lower just weeks earlier. Despite his critics, Fellaini was effective at times - particularly under Jose Mourinho - and ended up staying for six seasons.
Louis van Gaal: Ander Herrera from Athletic Club - 8/10
With Moyes lasting less than a year at the helm, Louis van Gaal did not have to wait for very long to make his first signing at the club. Arriving from Spanish outfit Athletic Club, Ander Herrera proved to be an extremely reliable presence in the heart of midfield.
Not always the most spectacular, his combative and determined nature endeared him to the Old Trafford faithful. The score could even been higher had he not quit Man Utd for free in a switch to Paris Saint-Germain.
Jose Mourinho: Eric Bailly from Villarreal - 5/10
Another manager and another signing from Spain. Jose Mourinho entered the market aiming to bolster his side’s defence. Bailly was by no means a cheap signing either with the Red Devils having spent £30m to secure his signature.
The Ivorian’s debut campaign was probably the best of the bunch as the club lifted the Europa League and League Cup but since then, it has been injury after injury for Bailly. He has not made more than 13 league appearances in a campaign since his first season as a Red Devil.
Ole Gu nnar Solskjaer : Daniel James from Swansea City - 5/10
A signing from out of left field, the Welsh winger almost joined Leeds United only months before only to see a switch fall through at the 11th hour. The Red Devils paid £15m for his services and he got off to a bright start with a goal on his debut against Chelsea.
His lack of productivity though soon cost him his Old Trafford career as he eventually joined Leeds - Man Utd making a reported £10m in profit on the deal.
Ralf Rangnick: N/A
The only Man Utd manager to have not made a signing in the Premier League era, the German was appointed in November 2021 but elected not to dip into the January market. He has now left Old Trafford having been appointed head coach of the Austria national team.
