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...
9. Luke Freeman
With United not possessing the budget to target proven Premier League players after being promoted to the top flight, they instead looked to the cream of the Championship – a category that undoubtedly Freeman belonged to. But he could never quite establish a place in the side and played only 15 times in the league, four from the start Photo: Andrew Yates
10. James Wallace
A real case of what could have been, but for injury. The former Everton midfielder signed on a free from Tranmere but seven starts in all for United tells its own story, as Wallace struggled to maintain fitness before being released and playing for Shrewsbury, Tranmere and Fleetwood before retiring Photo: Sport Image
11. John Brayford
The permanent version, rather than the loan sensation. Another victim of an unfortunate injury, with Brayford damaging a knee after returning to Bramall Lane in an expensive deal and never quite looking the same player in red and white after that. At 35, he is still going with Burton and will always be fondly remembered at Bramall Lane for his exploits on loan Photo: OLI SCARFF
12. Reda Khadra
Signed on loan in the summer to some fanfare, Khadra returned to Brighton early with four starts and 11 sub appearances under his belt. A late winner at Swansea should have been the turning point but ended up being the highlight, leaving United what might have been – especially now he’s playing for their Championship rivals Birmingham Photo: David Rogers