But for every bargain incoming such as Anel Ahmedhodzic or Iliman Ndiaye, there will be others who didn’t enjoy stellar careers at Bramall Lane - for whatever reason. That is no reflection on United, the managers who signed them or the players themselves; many were unfortunate through injury or other circumstances, while many have enjoyed success elsewhere either before or after their time in South Yorkshire.
We asked Blades fans on social media to nominate their signings that didn't work out at Bramall Lane, with some names mentioned more than once. The list doesn’t include any current Blades. Let us know who you think may have been omitted on our social media channels...
13. Chris Hussey
Once hailed as the best left-back in the division before he signed for United, Hussey started the League One title-winning season in the side but was swiftly replaced by loanee Daniel Lafferty and was not seen again. Played 11 times in total before moving on to Cheltenham, via a loan spell at Swindon Photo: Simon Bellis
14. Ravel Morrison
A low-risk, potentially high-reward signing for the Blades, with then-boss Wilder taking a punt on a player with undoubted ability, Morrison made one substitute appearance in the league for the Blades before moving to Den Haag on a free via a loan spell at Middlesbrough. Now at DC United in America Photo: Marc Atkins
15. Ryan Leonard
One of the longest-running transfer sagas in United’s recent history, United spent what seemed like forever chasing Leonard’s signing and then once he arrived from Southend, he made only six league starts before moving to Millwall on loan. United are understood to have made a profit on him when he joined the Lions on a permanent, though, so it made good business sense at least Photo: Sportimage
16. Richairo Živković
A player whose entire United career spanned the first Covid-19 lockdown, meaning he never actually played for the Blades in front of a crowd. Played just over 90 minutes of football for the Blades in total after arriving on loan from Changchun Yatai and is now at FC Emmen Photo: Pool