Man Utd's big money transfers

Denis Law's £115,000 switch from Torino was a record purchase for a British club in 1962

In 1981 United pay £1.5m for midfielder Bryan Robson before splashing out £2.3m on Gary Pallister in 1989

The £3.75m spent on midfielder Roy Keane looks a bargain now but was a Premiership record in 1993

In 1995 Andy Cole commands a £7m fee but only shines with Dwight Yorke, a £12.6m signing in 1998

Jaap Stam becomes the world's costliest defender in 1998 following a £10.75m move from PSV Eindhoven

A British record £28m brings Argentine Juan Sebastian Veron to United in 2001 but he has failed to impress

But Dutch team-mate Ruud van Nistelrooy justifies his £19m price-tag with 36 goals in his first season

A trophyless season prompts United to agree a £30m deal with Leeds for centre-back Rio Ferdinand