#7 - God

By Chris,
January 2 2009

The Daily Mail has ranked Eric Cantona's move from Leeds to Manchester United as football's best ever transfer deal. The Red Devils paid £1million for the Frenchman who went onto become a club legend - leading the club to new levels of success following the launch of the Premier League. Six other transfers involving United also make the list.

Sportsmail has ranked the top 50 transfer deals in football history. Cantona's cross-Pennines switch from Elland Road to Old Trafford tops the list.

The Mail wrote: "Manchester United shocked football when they signed Cantona from Leeds in 1992, and it proved to one of the defining moments of Sir Alex Ferguson's extraordinary era at the club.

"Cantona became a legend at United, with a host of unforgettable performances and goals helping the club to four league titles in five seasons. He also fired a dramatic winner against Liverpool in 1996 to win the FA Cup final at Wembley, and a second double in three seasons."

Cantona made 185 appearances for United - scoring an incredible 82 goals. He remains one of the most charismatic and influential players in the club's history, so it really is no surprise to see him top the Daily Mail's list.

King Cantona - A God!

Six other transfers involving the Red Devils make the Mail's 50-strong list. Peter Schmeichel's £500k arrival from Bronby ranks in at number ten. The Great Dane notched up 398 appearances for United and is regarded by many to be the finest goalkeeper to where the club's colours.

Elsewhere, Cristiano Ronaldo's swap from Sporting Lisbon to Old Trafford is at number 14, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's £1.5million from Molde is at number 28, the £7million capture of Nemanja Vidic from Spartak Moscow is at 37 and Mark Hughes' £1.5million return from Barcelona is named at 47.

On the flip side, Leeds' £200,000 purchase of Gordon Strachan from United is ranked at number twelve. The pint-sized Scotsman crossed the Pennines in 1989 and inspired Leeds the Second Division crown in 1990, and top flight title-glory in 1992.

The list is an interesting read though, unsurprisingly, is not exactly a world class piece of journalism. It only includes transfers involving British clubs - but it's great to see so many United players getting a mention. You can view Sportmail's article by clicking here.