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<\/p>\nManchester United have a history of statement free agent signings, with some making more of an impact than others at Old Trafford<\/p>\n
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick will hope to be active in the transfer market this summer(Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Over the years, Manchester United <\/a>have frequently ventured into the free agent market in a bid to strengthen their squad without breaking the bank. United have made a number of shrewd signings in this manner, with names such as Ballon d\u2019Or winner Michael Owen springing to mind.<\/p>\n Indeed, a transfer of this nature is usually characterised as having a low-risk, high-reward, with United reaping the benefits of this arrangement numerous times. With the expiration of players\u2019 contracts this year on June 30, Michael Carrick\u2019s <\/a>side may very well test the waters of free agency once more this summer.<\/p>\n Manchester Evening News looks back at some of United\u2019s most audacious free transfers.<\/p>\n Zlatan Ibrahimovic<\/p>\n There are few free agent signings as notable as Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s move to United in 2016, especially given the Swedish international broke the news of his arrival himself.<\/p>\n \u201cTime to let the world know,\u201d he wrote on social media. \u201cMy next destination is Manchester United<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n Zlatan Ibrahimovic signs for Manchester United in 2016(Image: 2016 Manchester United FC)<\/p>\n United later confirmed the number nine had thought he was justified to announce the news before the club owing to the fact he had more Instagram followers. The Swede started as he meant to go on, instantly imposing his personality around Old Trafford<\/a>.<\/p>\n Ibrahimovic was handed the coveted number nine shirt, and was reunited with Jose Mourinho<\/a>, whom he had played under at Inter Milan. The club enticed the then 34-year-old to the club following the expiration of his Paris Saint-Germain contract in the summer of 2016, with Mourinho eager to sign proven winners and those with experience at the top level.<\/p>\n The Swede did not disappoint, as he went on to make 46 appearances across all competitions for United and netted 28 goals in the process. The Old Trafford faithful were enamoured of Ibrahimovic\u2019s debut season, as he helped inspire the club to the League Cup<\/a> and the Europa League<\/a> during the 2016\/17 season.<\/p>\n Despite the following campaign being littered with injuries, Ibrahimovic thoroughly enjoyed his time in England, which came to an end when he joined LA Galaxy in March 2018. \u201cI had fun,\u201d Ibrahimovic told ESPN,<\/a> \u201cI\u2019m happy I played for United, which I think is the best team in England.\u201d<\/p>\n Ibrahimovic continued playing until 2023, when he drew the curtain on a career which saw him score over 450 goals for club and country.<\/p>\n Laurent Blanc<\/p>\n Sir Alex Ferguson<\/a> had attempted to lure centre-back Laurent Blanc to Old Trafford several times since 1996 and finally succeeded in August 2001. During Ferguson\u2019s courtship of the Frenchman, Blanc had won both the World Cup in 1998 and EURO 2000 with Les Bleus. At the age of 35, Blanc was signed as a free agent to replace the departing Jaap Stam.<\/p>\n Following a string of poor performances in the early months of his stay at Old Trafford, Blanc became the subject of heavy criticism from the United faithful as United suffered an unprecedented five defeats in the league by December.<\/p>\n Laurent Blanc helped United win the 2002\/03 title(Image: John Peters\/Manchester United via Getty Images)<\/p>\n Originally arriving at Old Trafford on a one-year contract, Blanc was rewarded with a fresh one-year contract following an extensive improvement in his and his side\u2019s form following their early season struggles. Blanc\u2019s second season in Manchester saw United return the Premier League<\/a> title to Old Trafford, and the Frenchman announced his retirement from football shortly after the season\u2019s culmination.<\/p>\n Victor Valdes<\/p>\n For all United\u2019s success in the free agent market, not every signing has delivered the goods at Old Trafford.<\/p>\n In January 2015, United made a statement by signing Barcelona icon Victor Valdes as backup to David De Gea. The Spanish shot-stopper, who had been recovering from a knee injury after leaving Barcelona, had been without a club for several months before eventually penning an 18-month deal with United shortly after the turn of the year.<\/p>\n Victor Valdes with Louis van Gaal after signing for Manchester United in January 2015(Image: John Peters\/Manchester United via Getty Images)<\/p>\n Valdes enjoyed an era of unprecedented success at his boyhood club Barcelona, winning six La Liga titles and three Champions League<\/a> trophies between 2002 and 2014. The Spaniard knew Louis van Gaal from his time at the Camp Nou, and was happy to compete with De Gea for the number one spot following his return to fitness.<\/p>\n The shot-stopper made his first team debut in May, though the situation soon descended into acrimony at the beginning of the following season when Valdes was left behind on United\u2019s pre-season tour of the United States. Reports at the time suggested Valdes had refused to play for the Under-21 team and the Spaniard was soon placed on United\u2019s transfer list.<\/p>\n Valdes made only two appearances for the club before joining Standard Liege on loan in January 2016, and later signed for newly-promoted Middlesbrough on a free transfer six months later.<\/p>\n Thousands of Man United fans upgraded their matchday last season. This is how they did it.<\/p>\n This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more<\/a> Various Prices<\/p>\n Seat Unique<\/p>\n![\"Zlatan](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/0_GettyImages-544084882.jpg\"\/)
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