Eric Cantona – November 1992
Cantona’s transfer to Man United was credited as one among Sir Alex Ferguson’s most profitable strikes, with the Frenchman serving to to rework his facet into title winners.
The maverick star had seen his relationship break down with Leeds boss Howard Wilkinson resulting in hypothesis over a departure.
Leeds chairman Invoice Fotherby known as his Man United counterpart Martin Edwards to investigate about signing Denis Irwin. After the suggestion was rebuffed by Edwards, Ferguson then requested about Cantona’s availability with a £1.2m deal then being struck.
Whereas initially seen as a dangerous transfer, Cantona helped encourage Man United to a primary title in 26 years. The Frenchman was a part of 4 title profitable sides at Outdated Trafford and received two FA Cups.
Rio Ferdinand – July 2002
Ferdinand grew to become the most costly British footballer in historical past when he accomplished a £30m transfer in 2002 after two seasons at Leeds. Ferdinand has claimed he sat within the workplace of Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale for six hours to pressure by the switch.
The deal got here amid rising issues over Leeds monetary state of affairs, which was referenced by Sir Alex Ferguson when the switch was accomplished.
‘A switch like this needs to be troublesome. Leeds are a giant membership and our fiercest rivals, and he had 4 years left on his contract,’ Ferguson mentioned. ‘We have been hopeful due to Leeds’ monetary place. I feel Peter Ridsdale has admitted that. Most significantly, Rio needed to return right here and this contributed to the deal.’
Ferdinand would go on to win six Premier League titles, the Champions League and two League Cups throughout his time with the Purple Devils.
Alan Smith – Could 2004
Life-long Leeds fan Smith moved to Outdated Trafford in a deal value £7million, with Danny Pugh going the alternative manner.
Smith opted to make the transfer following Leeds relegation to the Championship, which had left him in tears on the ultimate day of the season. Smith’s transfer angered Leeds followers having beforehand declared he would by no means play for Man United.
The transfer, nonetheless, had helped Leeds amid the membership’s monetary turmoil with Smith additionally waving a price that was owed to him.
Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Smith, stating ‘I’ve by no means been extra impressed with a younger participant, his want to play for Manchester United is unbelievable’.
Smith profession at Man United was closely impacted by a damaged leg and dislocated ankle he suffered in an FA Cup tie in opposition to Liverpool. He finally performed 93 occasions for Man United, scoring 12 occasions, earlier than shifting to Newcastle.
Karl Darlow – July 2026
Darlow is the latest participant to maneuver between the 2 golf equipment, with the goalkeeper rejected a brand new deal at Leeds in favour of a transfer to Outdated Trafford.
He had been Leeds first selection goalkeeper for a lot of final season however is now back-up to Senne Lammens at United. Darlow made his debut in Man United’s Carabao Cup defeat by Brighton.
When his summer time transfer was confirmed, Leeds issued a 309-word assertion however declined to call the place Darlow had moved, as a substitute stating he ‘wished to discover a distinct problem’.
