The story of the Manchester United transfer window that sparked their 10-year downfall

The new era of Manchester United started with big promises and optimism. So how did it end so disastrously, with Marouane Fellaini as the only arrival and the reigning champions of England becoming a laughing stock as they spiralled into a nose dive that would take nearly a decade to pull up from?

Yes, Sir Alex Ferguson had gone, but his hand-picked successor had ascended the throne and fans were ready, upon the legendary manager's request, to back him to the hilt. All that was needed was a big summer of signings to replenish an ageing squad which Sir Alex Ferguson had worked wonders with to somehow clinch a 20th league title. United had taken their bruises but they were still the top dogs. What could possibly go wrong?

Big names, as you'd expect of the champions, were immediately linked and if only a quarter of them arrived it would be a remarkable transfer window. Gareth Bale, Cesc Fabregas, Thiago Alcantara, Sami Khedira, Mesut Ozil, Cristiano Ronaldo and many more. They weren't just rumours, either. Ed Woodward, the new man in charge of transfers following the departure of David Gill, put his neck on the chopping block with his bold optimism. He claimed 'there was no cut-off price' in United's transfer pursuits of 'stellar' players.

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New manager David Moyes matched his bravado. When asked about the possibility of Ronaldo returning to Old Trafford in his first press conference he refused to rule it out. Though he didn't talk directly about the player, he said: "This club is always interested in the best players." Ronaldo was never leaving Madrid yet the club did not move to dampen expectations.

It had been made clear