According to a report by Manchesterevening News on Friday November 6, 2026, Former Manchester United chairman Martin Edwards has revealed five transfers he considers his greatest achievements during his 22-year spell overseeing the club at Old Trafford.

Edwards succeeded his late father, Louis, as chairman and witnessed remarkable success under Sir Alex Ferguson, with United winning seven Premier League titles during his tenure.

Speaking on Keys & Gray Unleashed, Edwards reflected on Manchester United's recruitment during Ferguson's reign, as the club celebrates 40 years since the legendary manager's appointment.

Asked by presenter Andy Gray to identify his greatest signing, Edwards explained that selecting just one was difficult, instead highlighting five influential players who transformed United.

His selections included Bryan Robson, Peter Schmeichel, Roy Keane, Denis Irwin and Eric Cantona, all of whom played significant roles in Manchester United's successful history.

Interestingly, Keane was the most expensive acquisition among the five, joining from Nottingham Forest for £3.75million, while their combined transfer fees amounted to approximately £8million.

Bryan Robson

Robson joined Manchester United from West Bromwich Albion in 1981 for a then British-record £1.5million, becoming one of the club's most influential midfielders.

Nicknamed Captain Marvel, the England international established himself as an inspirational leader and remained important throughout United's transition from Ron Atkinson's management to Ferguson's successful era.

During his 13 years at Old Trafford, Robson became one of United's most respected captains, winning two Premier League titles, three FA Cups, a League Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup.

Peter Schmeichel

Schmeichel arrived from Brondby in 1991 for approximately £505,000, eventually establishing himself as one of the greatest goalkeepers to represent Manchester United.

The Danish international spent eight years at Old Trafford, collecting five Premier League championships and playing a crucial role in Ferguson's historic Treble-winning campaign during 1999.

His trophy collection included five Premier League titles, three FA Cups, one League Cup and the Champions League, securing his place among United's legendary goalkeepers.

Roy Keane

Manchester United signed Keane from Nottingham Forest in 1993 for £3.75million, making the Irish midfielder the most expensive acquisition among Edwards' five selected players.

The former Republic of Ireland international quickly established himself as a commanding presence before eventually becoming United captain in 1997, following his impressive performances in midfield.

Keane spent 12 years at Old Trafford, recording 336 Premier League appearances and winning seven league championships before his relationship with Ferguson eventually deteriorated.

His achievements also included four FA Cups, one League Cup and the Champions League, highlighting his importance throughout United's successful period under Ferguson.

Denis Irwin

Irwin joined Manchester United from Oldham Athletic in 1990 for approximately £700,000, becoming one of Ferguson's most dependable and consistent defensive performers.

The Irish full-back was renowned for his defensive reliability, versatility and ability to score important goals through penalties and free-kicks throughout his successful United career.

He made 529 appearances during his 12 years at Old Trafford, becoming the club's ninth-highest appearance maker while collecting seven Premier League titles.

His impressive trophy collection included three FA Cups, one League Cup, the Champions League, European Cup Winners' Cup and UEFA Super Cup.

Eric Cantona

Cantona's £1million transfer from Leeds United in 1992 remains one of the most influential acquisitions in Manchester United's Premier League history.

The French forward introduced creativity, confidence and attacking quality, becoming an important figure behind United's transformation and the development of the famous Class of '92.

Affectionately nicknamed The King by supporters at the Stretford End, Cantona helped Manchester United end their 26-year wait for a league championship.

During his time at Old Trafford, he secured four Premier League titles and two FA Cups before surprisingly announcing his retirement from professional football in 1997.