Manchester United is an institution that prides itself on harnessing homegrown talent.
The two defining figures of the club, Sirs Matt Busby and Alex Ferguson, insisted upon the importance of youth. The last time Manchester United’s matchday squad didn’t include a former academy player was before the outbreak of the Second World War.
However, that hasn’t stopped the most successful club in English football from dipping their toe into the market. In fact, United have broken the British transfer record on no fewer than six occasions.
Here are the most expensive talents that have been fielded alongside the club’s homegrown gems.
Bruno Fernandes has regularly captain Manchester United since his big-money move / Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/GettyImages
Fred won three league titles in five seasons with Shakhtar Donetsk before joining Manchester United in 2018 – he is yet to win the Premier League / Robin Jones/GettyImages
Casemiro is the most expensive player Manchester United have signed over the age of 30 / James Williamson – AMA/GettyImages
Jadon Sancho came through Manchester City’s youth academy before joining Manchester United’s senior team / James Gill – Danehouse/GettyImages
Romelu Lukaku failed to live up to his price tag at Old Trafford / Clive Brunskill/GettyImages
Harry Maguire first captained Manchester United on his tenth appearance for the club / Michael Regan/GettyImages
Antony became the first Manchester United player to score in each of his opening three Premier League appearances for the club / Naomi Baker/GettyImages
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