Manchester United’s biggest transfer losses of all time and where Rasmus Hojlund could rank

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Rasmus Hojlund will be among Manchester United’s biggest transfer losses if he secures a permanent move to Napoli.

Many ex-Man Utd players have thrived since departing Old Trafford in the last year or so, and the Dane is no different.

Hojlund has shone at Napoli during his brief time in Italy, scoring four goals in six matches across all competitions.

It has now been reported in the last few days that the Serie A powerhouse are in talks to trigger the option in the striker’s loan deal and sign him permanently for £38m, as per the Mirror.

Should the deal go ahead, Hojlund will be among Manchester United’s biggest transfer losses of all time.

10. Rasmus Hojlund (£34m)

After a promising spell with Atalanta, the Red Devils paid £72m for the 22-year-old.

However, Hojlund struggled for consistent form at Old Trafford, scoring 26 in 95 across all competitions.

If he does move for £38m, the forward will overtake Victor Lindelof (£31m), as United’s 10th-biggest transfer loss.

9. Donny van de Beek (£34.57m)

Donny van de Beek was part of one of the most prolific Ajax teams in recent memory, which also featured the likes of Frenkie De Jong and Matthijs de Ligt.

He arrived at Manchester United in 2020 for £35m but was unable to become a regular feature in the Premier League.

Van de Beek eventually left for Spanish side Girona in 2024 for just £420,600.

8. Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£35m)

After impressing on Crystal Palace’s books, Aaron Wan-Bissaka joined Man Utd in 2019 for £50m.

He was their fifth-biggest signing at the time, but a lack of attacking output marred his time in Manchester.

Wan-Bissaka left Manchester United in 2024 to join West Ham United.

7. Juan Mata (£37.1m)

While a significant loss, Juan Mata is arguably one of the few players on this list who proved to be a good signing.

The Spaniard made 285 appearances, scored 51 goals, provided 44 assists and won four trophies during his spell at Old Trafford.

Mata left for free in 2022 before signing for Turkish side Galatasaray.

6. Fred (£38.38m)

Manchester United signed Fred from Shakhtar Donetsk in a £47m deal back in June 2018.

He was often, along with fellow midfielder Scott McTominay, used as a scapegoat during his time in England.

Fred left for Fenerbahce in 2023 and remains on their books to this day.

5. Nemanja Matic (£40m)

Nemanja Matic left for free in 2022, linking up with AS Roma.

The Serbian arrived as part of a big-spending summer under Jose Mourinho in 2017 and played a key role as United secured their highest points total of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era in 2017/18 (81).

4. Raphael Varane (£41m)

Raphael Varane arrived in 2021 on the back of a prolific stint with Real Madrid, which included multiple Champions League and La Liga titles.

But the Frenchman never reached those heights again in England and eventually left on a free for Como in 2024.

3. Anthony Martial (£50.4m)

When Manchester United signed Anthony Martial from AS Monaco, he was one of the brightest young prospects in world football.

Unfortunately, he never quite lived up to the hype and was released on a free in 2024.

The Frenchman cost an initial £36m, with the potential for that deal to rise as high as £57.6m.

However, the Red Devils managed to avoid paying out £7.2m on one clause, which required the forward to feature among the Ballon d’Or contenders.

2. Antony (£62.3m)

Like Hojlund, Antony has improved a great deal following his Manchester United exit.

He scored 12 and assisted five in 96 matches for the Red Devils, already bettering that goal contribution tally in 33 matches for Real Betis (12 goals and six assists)

1. Paul Pogba (£89m)

No player encapsulates Manchester United’s questionable transfer dealings more than Paul Pogba.

He was released by the Premier League side in 2012, going on to excel in the Serie A with Juventus.

Four years on, Pogba returned to Man Utd in a club-record £89m deal before securing a second move to the Bianconeri in 2022 for free.