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...
17. Filip Uremović
A completely left-field signing after his contract with Rubin Kazan was cancelled because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Uremović looked decent when he played – which wasn’t too often, the Croatian moving to Hertha Berlin in the summer after playing just three times for the Blades Photo: Sport Image
18. Adlène Guedioura
Signed by Slavisa Jokanović during his ill-fated reign in time, Guedioura made his United debut off the bench in victory away at Hull – picking up a rapid booking – and after starting a League Cup game against Southampton, was never seen in a United shirt again Photo: Laurence Griffiths
19. Michael Verrips
A supposed free-transfer signing who ended up costing United money after the legal wrangle of him leaving his former club, the Blades didn’t get a great deal of value here from the goalkeeper’s four appearances. He was knocked out on his debut in the FA Cup and replaced, and made his league debut 18 months later – conceding four times in a horror show away at West Brom Photo: Simon Bellis