The most recent signing in this list is Robin van Persie, who paid for almost his entire £24m transfer fee by winning the Premier League in his first season. This particular Dutch forward is the highest Dutchman on the list and he signed for a much larger fee, leaving rivals Arsenal in August 2012. United went down to Everton in Van Persies first appearance, where he came off the bench but on his first full appearance for the Red Devils he netted in a 3-2 win over Fulham. He missed from the spot when United were 2-1 down to Southampton away from home but two further goals clinched his first hat-trick in just his third game of the club in another 3-2 win. It wouldnt be the last hat-trick for van Persie that season, either. A crucial goal away at Chelsea in October ensured a 3-2 victory at Stamford Bridge whilst netting home and away against his former club as they took four points off them. As the games came thick and fast at the turn of the year, Van Persie scored the winner in his first Manchester derby with a free-kick in the last minute. He scored ten goals in December and January as United marched ten points clear of Manchester City. Van Persie almost single-handedly clinched the title at home to Aston Villa, scoring all three in a tie at Old Trafford which won United their 20th league crown. Van Persie scored thirty times in all competitions as he claimed the leagues golden boot with 26.
I am an aspiring journalist with a degree in Media Studies and a passion for all things sport -- especially football and Manchester United. I am a former season ticket holder at Old Trafford and have been a Red Devil since 1998.
