Adrien Rabiot next? Ranking all 12 Manchester United free transfers from Miller to Zlatan

Adrien Rabiot remains a high-profile free agent after departing Juventus, with several clubs considering his potential value. Among those rumored to be interested are Manchester United, who have started their season with concerns about their midfield depth despite the addition of Manuel Ugarte. The club could benefit from a player of Rabiot’s caliber, and while it’s uncertain whether he will end up at Old Trafford, United have a history of making impactful free transfer signings—some successful, others not as much.

Manchester United has brought in numerous players

In the Premier League era, Manchester United has brought in numerous players on free transfers. Some went on to make significant contributions, while others struggled to leave a mark. Below is a ranking of 12 notable free transfers made by the Red Devils, judged from the least effective to the most memorable.

12. Liam Miller (Celtic, July 2004)
Liam Miller’s arrival was overshadowed by the signing of Wayne Rooney, and the midfielder never found his footing at Old Trafford. He managed only nine Premier League appearances before moving on to Leeds United.

11. Mark Bosnich (Aston Villa, July 1999)
Famously labeled the “cheapest man in football” due to never commanding a transfer fee, Bosnich’s return to Manchester United after starting his career at the club was far from successful. Paul Scholes once dubbed him United’s worst-ever signing, citing his inability to properly kick a football.

10. Tom Heaton (Aston Villa, July 2021)
Heaton arrived as a third-choice goalkeeper and has made only three appearances in three years. Though his role is limited, Heaton hasn’t conceded a single goal in those appearances, making him a reliable backup when called upon.

9. Michael Owen (Newcastle, July 2009)
Injuries plagued Owen’s time at Manchester United, but his dramatic, late winner in the iconic 4-3 derby victory over Manchester City cemented his place in the club’s lore. That goal remains one of his few memorable contributions, as he rarely featured otherwise.

8. Raimond van der Gouw (Vitesse, July 1996)
As Peter Schmeichel’s understudy, Van der Gouw was a reliable backup goalkeeper for United, keeping 27 clean sheets in 60 appearances. Although he was never considered a long-term No. 1 option, his solid performances gave the club needed depth.

7. Jonny Evans (Leicester, July 2023)
Returning to Manchester United eight years after leaving, Evans was initially only invited to train with the squad after his release from Leicester City. However, his consistent performances earned him 15 starts last season, proving that even at 36, he still has much to offer.

6. Sergio Romero (Sampdoria, July 2015)
Romero served as a dependable second-choice goalkeeper, accumulating 61 appearances in six years. While he rarely played in the Premier League, he was particularly effective in cup competitions and secured 31 caps for Argentina during his United tenure.

5. Kieran Richardson (West Ham, July 2001)
Richardson played a supporting role for five seasons at Old Trafford, winning multiple trophies, including two Premier League titles. Though he wasn’t a standout, his contributions were solid, earning him eight England caps during his time at the club.

4. Christian Eriksen (Brentford, July 2022)
Eriksen showed flashes of brilliance in his first season at United, registering eight Premier League assists from 25 starts and helping the team secure a third-place finish. However, in the following season, his role became less effective, often appearing out of sync with the high tempo of Premier League matches.

3. Edinson Cavani (PSG, October 2020)
While not as prolific as he was at Paris Saint-Germain, Cavani scored 17 goals in his debut season, more than the club’s big-money signing Rasmus Højlund managed in his first campaign. Fans will fondly remember Cavani’s memorable chip against Fulham, his first game at Old Trafford following the Covid-19 pandemic.

2. Laurent Blanc (Inter Milan, August 2001)
Blanc, a legendary defender, finally arrived at United toward the end of his career. His class and composure in defense were evident, and he has since expressed regret for not joining the club earlier. Despite his age, Blanc played a key role during his two seasons, offering the leadership and experience the team needed at the time.

1. Zlatan Ibrahimović (PSG, July 2016)
No one epitomizes a successful free transfer more than Zlatan Ibrahimović. Arriving at Old Trafford at the age of 35, Zlatan scored 29 goals and provided 10 assists, contributing to a goal every 103 minutes during his time at the club. His impact was profound, leading United to success on the field and leaving a lasting legacy as one of the best free transfers in Premier League history.

Zlatan Tops the List: United’s Best Free Transfer Signings Revealed

Manchester United’s history with free transfers is varied, but the club has seen some significant contributions from players who arrived without a transfer fee. Should Adrien Rabiot make the move, he could potentially join the ranks of successful free signings at Old Trafford, further boosting Erik ten Hag’s squad as they strive for silverware.