Is Law United's greatest-ever signing?
Today (12 July) marks 60 years since Manchester United signed legendary goalscorer Denis Law.
The phenomenal Scot was purchased for a then British transfer record from Italian club Torino, and went on to score 237 goals for the Reds during a 11-year stay at Old Trafford.
Denis was the very first United player to win the Ballon d'Or, in 1964, and is regarded as one of the most important signings in United history.
To celebrate the day Denis became a Red, we're remembering five transfers that shook Old Trafford. Read on for our selection, and then let us know your favourite signing in the poll below!
Denis was the very first United player to win the Ballon d'Or, in 1964, and is regarded as one of the most important signings in United history.
To celebrate the day Denis became a Red, we're remembering five transfers that shook Old Trafford. Read on for our selection, and then let us know your favourite signing in the poll below!
TOMMY TAYLOR
Signed from Barnsley, 1953
Famously, Matt Busby purchased star striker Tommy Taylor for £29,999 – preferring to free him of the burden of becoming "a £30,000 player". But the much-loved Yorkshireman didn't seem to have any trouble with the pressures of playing for Manchester United. He scored a remarkable 131 goals in 191 games, helping us to two consecutive titles before the Munich Air Disaster cruelly took his life at the age of just 26. No player in the history of the club has a better goals-per-game ratio than the genial centre-forward.
Signed from Barnsley, 1953
Famously, Matt Busby purchased star striker Tommy Taylor for £29,999 – preferring to free him of the burden of becoming "a £30,000 player". But the much-loved Yorkshireman didn't seem to have any trouble with the pressures of playing for Manchester United. He scored a remarkable 131 goals in 191 games, helping us to two consecutive titles before the Munich Air Disaster cruelly took his life at the age of just 26. No player in the history of the club has a better goals-per-game ratio than the genial centre-forward.
DENIS LAW
Signed from Torino, 1962
Third in the club's all-time goalscoring list, Denis Law still holds the record for the most productive season in United history. He blasted 46 in 1963/64, which was enough to earn him that year's Ballon d'Or, and continued to torment defences throughout the 1960s and early ’70s. Known as 'The King', and adored by supporters for his brave, aggressive and swashbuckling style, he is the only player that can boast two statues at Old Trafford.
Signed from Torino, 1962
Third in the club's all-time goalscoring list, Denis Law still holds the record for the most productive season in United history. He blasted 46 in 1963/64, which was enough to earn him that year's Ballon d'Or, and continued to torment defences throughout the 1960s and early ’70s. Known as 'The King', and adored by supporters for his brave, aggressive and swashbuckling style, he is the only player that can boast two statues at Old Trafford.
ERIC CANTONA
Signed from Leeds, 1992
Arguably the most influential transfer in United history, Cantona signed for a small fee from rivals Leeds United in the autumn of 1992. He quickly inspired us to the club's first top-flight title in 26 years, and kickstarted what would become a 20-year spell of Premier League dominance. He retired in 1997, near the peak of his powers, having led United to four titles in five seasons. If not for a nine-month ban for confronting a xenophobic fan in 1995, Cantona could plausibly have pocketed five consecutive title-winners' medals.
Signed from Leeds, 1992
Arguably the most influential transfer in United history, Cantona signed for a small fee from rivals Leeds United in the autumn of 1992. He quickly inspired us to the club's first top-flight title in 26 years, and kickstarted what would become a 20-year spell of Premier League dominance. He retired in 1997, near the peak of his powers, having led United to four titles in five seasons. If not for a nine-month ban for confronting a xenophobic fan in 1995, Cantona could plausibly have pocketed five consecutive title-winners' medals.
ANDY COLE
Signed from Newcastle, 1995
Few signings have provoked more shock than Andy Cole's switch from Newcastle United in January 1995. The Nottingham-born striker was one of the country's most deadly finishers, and had plundered a humongous 41 goals for Newcastle in 1993/94. In a deal that caught the football world completely off guard, the Magpies agreed to sell him to United and Alex Ferguson just a few months later – a decision which led to Toon fans angrily confronting then manager Kevin Keegan on the steps of St James' Park. Coley would net 121 goals for United, contributing to five title wins and the momentous Treble.
Signed from Newcastle, 1995
Few signings have provoked more shock than Andy Cole's switch from Newcastle United in January 1995. The Nottingham-born striker was one of the country's most deadly finishers, and had plundered a humongous 41 goals for Newcastle in 1993/94. In a deal that caught the football world completely off guard, the Magpies agreed to sell him to United and Alex Ferguson just a few months later – a decision which led to Toon fans angrily confronting then manager Kevin Keegan on the steps of St James' Park. Coley would net 121 goals for United, contributing to five title wins and the momentous Treble.
The beginning of the Law legend
ArticleThe incomparable Denis Law made his Reds debut 56 years ago this weekend.
ROBIN VAN PERSIE
Signed from Arsenal, 2012
Another player that made a spicy move between leading Premier League clubs was Robin van Persie, who joined the Reds from Arsenal in the summer of 2012. The Gunners were without a title in eight years at that point, and desperate to close the gap to serial champions United. But van Persie's sale dealt them a bitter blow, and the north London club were forced to watch on jealously as the Dutchman's 26 league goals powered United to a record 20th title.
Signed from Arsenal, 2012
Another player that made a spicy move between leading Premier League clubs was Robin van Persie, who joined the Reds from Arsenal in the summer of 2012. The Gunners were without a title in eight years at that point, and desperate to close the gap to serial champions United. But van Persie's sale dealt them a bitter blow, and the north London club were forced to watch on jealously as the Dutchman's 26 league goals powered United to a record 20th title.
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