Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s 12 Man Utd signings rated so far after £460m spend | Football | Sport

Manchester United have brought in no fewer than 12 players since Sir Jim Ratcliffe bought a stake in the Red Devils last year. The 13-time Premier League champions are attempting to bring back the glory days at Old Trafford after failing to taste league success since 2013.

After a series of underwhelming campaigns, United will be hoping their current crop of players can once again catapult them to the higher echelons of English football. And if they can, Ratcliffe may give himself a pat on the back for a job well done. But if the team fall short, the businessman will be facing plenty of difficult questions. And Express Sport has graded all 12 of Manchester United’s signings under Ratcliffe.

Benjamin Sesko | £74m | B

United signed Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig in August after Arsenal had reportedly opted to sign Viktor Gyokeres at the Slovenian’s expense. Sesko was made to wait for his first start and took a bit of time to settle in England. But the 22-year-old has found the back of the net in his last two Premier League games and could prove to be a great goalscorer under Ruben Amorim.

Bryan Mbeumo | £65m | A

Bryan Mbeumo cost United £65m when he joined from Brentford in July following a lengthy transfer pursuit. He has injected pace and energy into the United frontline and has already become a key player under his new boss. He’s only contributed one goal and one assist to date, but he’ll be an invaluable asset to United if he can ultimately help his side score more goals across the whole campaign.

Matheus Cunha | £62.5m | C

Was billed as an exciting signing after excelling for Wolves last season but has been underwhelming in the early stages of his Old Trafford career. Has started just one of United’s last five top flight matches after an injury and may already be behind Mason Mount in the attacking pecking order. But will surely deliver if his manager keeps faith.

Senne Lammens | £18m | B

Arrived in the closing stages of the summer transfer window and already appears to be an upgrade in between the sticks. Was handed his first Premier League start against Sunderland last time out and it’s now his position to lose.

Diego Leon | £7m | D

Harsh to judge him before he’s even made his first-team debut for United but only lasted 45 minutes in an under-21s clash against Liverpool. At the age of 18, he will be expecting plenty of opportunities as the season progresses.

Manuel Ugarte | £51m | F

Probably United’s biggest flop of the Ratcliffe era following his £51million transfer from Paris Saint-Germain a year ago. Unconvincing last season and has flattered to deceive this time around. Had little impact against Manchester City and Brentford recently and will struggle to hold down a first-team place this season.

Joshua Zirkzee | £36.5m | E

Didn’t do enough after joining the Red Devils from Bologna last summer and was linked with a move back to Italy just months after his arrival in England. Has fallen down the pecking order this summer and doesn’t look like he will have a positive long-term impact at the club.

Ayden Heaven | £1.5m | C

United signed Ayden Heaven from Arsenal in February, with the north west giants reportedly paying the Gunners around £1.5m in compensation to get their hands on the teenager. Hasn’t had too much game time yet but has all the technical and physical attributes to succeed in Manchester.

Matthijs de Ligt | £43m | B

Did well last season and has been a revelation at Old Trafford this term. Can be considered as his side’s most influential defender at present and possesses bags of pace and defensive nous.

Patrick Dorgu | £25m | D

Started the season as Amorim’s first choice wing-back on the left flank but was dropped to the bench against Sunderland before the international break. Hasn’t been clinical enough going forward.

Leny Yoro | £59m | B

Has been decent on the right of a back three and at the age of 19 appears to have a big future at the top of the game. Always composed but will be desperate for his team to keep more clean sheets.

Noussair Mazraoui | £17m | B

An outstanding defender thanks to his physical presence and ability with the ball. Has suffered with injury this season but will be indispensable to the side when fully fit.