Man United’s hit-or-miss list: £320m’s worth of signings rated

Spending £320m on new players in a three-year, trophy-less span is grounds for concern at any football club, not least Manchester United, who built their previous prolonged period of success largely on the back of homegrown talent and shrewd purchases.

It comes as little surprise then that the media are reporting on a proposed overhaul of the club’s recruitment hierarchy. But just how much of the £320m investment has been a success and what signings proved to be a disaster?

Here’s Ladbrokes News’ hit-and-miss guide to those deals:

2015/16

Anthony Martial – £37.5m from Monaco – HIT

Has shown himself to be a talented finisher even when played out wide in a three-man attack.

Failed to transfer the vital role he played in the Saints midfield to Old Trafford.

Memphis Depay – £20.63m from PSV – MISS

Hasn’t started a game since Boxing Day and is being outperformed by academy product Jesse Lingard.

Matteo Darmian – £13.5m from Torino – HIT

Settled far better than any other summer acquisition, although that’s not saying much.

Bastian Schweinsteiger – £6.75m from Bayern Munich – HIT

Injury has kept him out of late but the side have lost just one of the last 13 games the German has started.

2014/15

Angel Di Maria – £56.25m from Real Madrid – MISS

The only permanent signing in the list not still playing at the club only lasted one season and 27 top-flight appearances.

Luke Shaw – £28.13m from Southampton – HIT

Was showing fine form before a horrific leg break ended his campaign this season.

Ander Herrera – £27m from Athletic Bilbao – MISS

Perhaps slightly harsh, but it’s the price that swings it. 31 Premier League starts from a possible 57 illustrates how marginal his presence is.

Marcos Rojo – £15m from Sporting – MISS

The Argentine has missed 47 United games through injury and counting since arriving from Portugal.

Daley Blind – £13.13m from Ajax – HIT

The Dutchman’s versatility has proved useful for Louis Van Gaal, who currently pairs Blind with Smalling at the heart of his defence.

Radamel Falcao – £5.7m loan from Monaco – MISS

His temporary Old Trafford stay cost £1.44m per goal.

2013/14

Juan Mata – £33.55m from Chelsea – MISS

Hasn’t replicated his creativity for the Blues and needs to be cashed in on.

Marouane Fellaini £24.30m from Everton – MISS

He’s a decent “lump it to the big man option” but, a) should Man Utd have such a thing and b) why did it cost almost £25m?

HITS = 5

MISSES =8

*All transfer fees according to transfermarkt.co.uk

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.