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 recently 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...
5. Dean Hammond
The poster boy for that shocker of a season under Nigel Adkins. Hammond arrived with some pedigree but his time at Bramall Lane just didn’t work out as United slumped to an 11th-placed finish in League One. “I didn't perform to the level I expected when I came in,” he later admitted, “and I don't think we got the relationships right on the pitch. We couldn't quite click and get a run together.” Photo: Sport Image
6. Robin Olsen
Another signing that made a lot of sense, considering United were looking for a replacement for Aaron Ramsdale and Olsen was Sweden’s No.1 and had just played at the World Cup. But he certainly didn’t look like a world-class stopper during his time at United and few tears were shed when he moved to Aston Villa and Wes Foderingham got his chance Photo: Simon Bellis
7. Samir Carruthers
One of a number of players seemingly brought in to challenge or replace Mark Duffy, Carruthers started only six league games for the Blades and was limited to mostly cameos off the bench. He was sent on loan to Oxford before moving to Cambridge after leaving the Blades Photo: Simon Bellis
8. Ricky Holmes
Plagued by a back injury he picked up on a building site before he turned professional, Holmes worked with boss Chris Wilder at Northampton and reunited with him at Bramall Lane during the first Championship season. After five games in red and white he was released at the end of his contract. “It is a big frustration that things did not work out at United,” he later admitted. Photo: Simon Bellis