Man Utd’s boldest free transfers: Ibrahimovic, Blanc and Messi’s old team-mate

Manchester United have a long history of dipping into the free agent market in search of value signings, and with contracts expiring across the game on 30 June, Michael Carrick’s side could once again look to bolster their squad without spending a penny in transfer fees.

United have secured a host of shrewd free transfers down the years, from Ballon d’Or winner Michael Owen to Barcelona great Victor Valdes. While such deals are often seen as low-risk with the potential for high reward, United’s record in this area has been decidedly mixed.

Ibrahimovic’s grand entrance

Few free transfers are remembered quite so fondly as Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s move to Old Trafford in 2016. The Swede famously announced his own arrival on social media before the club had officially confirmed the deal, posting: “Time to let the world know. My next destination is Manchester United.”

Ibrahimovic joined on a free transfer after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired, reuniting with Jose Mourinho, who had previously managed him at Inter Milan. Handed the number nine shirt at the age of 34, he wasted little time making his mark in England.

He went on to make 46 appearances in all competitions during his debut campaign, scoring 28 goals as United won both the League Cup and the Europa League in 2016/17. Injuries disrupted his second season before he departed for LA Galaxy in March 2018.

Reflecting on his time at the club, Ibrahimovic told ESPN: “I had fun. I’m happy I played for United, which I think is the best team in England.”

Blanc’s rocky start turned title triumph

Sir Alex Ferguson had tried on several occasions since 1996 to bring Laurent Blanc to Old Trafford, finally succeeding in August 2001. By then, the French defender had already lifted the World Cup in 1998 and the European Championship in 2000 with Les Bleus.

Signed at the age of 35 to replace the departing Jaap Stam, Blanc endured a torrid opening spell, with United suffering five league defeats before December amid heavy criticism of his performances. Initially on a one-year deal, he earned an extension after a marked improvement in form.

His second season proved far more rewarding, as United reclaimed the Premier League title at Old Trafford. Blanc announced his retirement from football shortly after the campaign concluded.

Valdes: a gamble that didn’t pay off

Not every free transfer has worked out for United. In January 2015, the club signed Barcelona legend Victor Valdes, a former team-mate of Lionel Messi, as cover for David De Gea.

The Spanish goalkeeper had been recovering from a knee injury after leaving Barcelona and had been without a club for several months before agreeing an 18-month contract at Old Trafford, though the move failed to yield the impact United had hoped for.

With United once more expected to be active in the market this summer, fans will be hoping any free agent additions under Carrick follow the Ibrahimovic and Blanc blueprint rather than the Valdes cautionary tale.