Manchester United Spent $400 Million Under Ratcliffe. Here’s Who Was Worth It.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are now three years into their Manchester United project. They’ve spent north of 300 million pounds on new players. Some of those investments have paid off. Some have been pretty brutal.

We ranked all 11 signings from worst to best. And yeah, it gets ugly before it gets good.

11. Manuel Ugarte

The Uruguayan was supposed to fix United’s midfield. He did not. After 65 appearances and only two goals, the patience is gone. He was brought in to tackle hard and move the ball forward. Instead he looks like he’s running through mud. It takes him three business days to close down an opponent. On the rare occasion he attempts a forward pass, you wonder if he’s ever met his teammates before.

10. Joshua Zirkzee

Two seasons in and nobody knows his best position. Target man, number 10, winger. He’s tried everything and looked unconvincing everywhere. The low point was that Newcastle game where he got dragged off before halftime, jeered by his own fans, and left in tears on the bench. Ratcliffe must have been watching from the stands wondering if he could return him.

9. Matthijs de Ligt

The giant Dutch center back has spent more time on the physio table than the pitch. He’s missed nearly a full year through injury. When Bayern Munich is happy to sell, that should be a red flag. His turning circle is like a combine harvester and somehow he still pulls hamstrings.

8. Leny Yoro

Still only 20, Yoro could end up being the best of the bunch. But so far he’s looked nervous in a United shirt and injuries have stalled his development. For what they paid, Ratcliffe needs a massive leap this season.

7. Ayden Heaven

Cost just one million pounds. That’s pocket change in this sport. He stepped in during last season’s injury crisis and delivered a standout performance against Newcastle on Boxing Day. Won Player of the Month for that one. Smart business.

6. Patrick Dorgu

Scored an absolute rocket against Arsenal. That goal alone makes people want to rank him higher. But aside from a few moments, his end product is inconsistent. And sometimes he forgets he has the ball when he runs at defenders. Willing runner though.

5. Noussair Mazraoui

Solid. Reliable. Every time he plays, it’s a 7 out of 10. He’s logged over 70 appearances and never complains. He just loves to defend, which feels like a throwback in today’s game. Good value.

4. Benjamin Sesko

Started like a newborn giraffe. Seven games before his first goal. Ratcliffe was probably looking for the receipt. But after Ruben Amorim left, Sesko scored nine goals in the second half of the season. Might still become elite.

3. Bryan Mbuemo

Immediate impact. Pace, energy, goals. He brought the Stretford End back to life and helped United reclaim Champions League football. More than that, he gave them the ability to press high and win the ball back. Instant fan favorite.

2. Matheus Cunha

He’s got that maverick quality. Every time he touches the ball, the crowd gets excited. He chipped in with plenty of goals and assists, but it’s the style that matters. He entertains. Second season should be even better.

1. Senne Lammens

The best signing of the INEOS era and it’s not close. The Belgian goalkeeper came in at a bargain price and transformed the team. He looked like a Manchester United player from day one. Confident, unflappable, talented. At 24, he’s got a long career ahead. He was the main reason United’s fortunes changed.