4. Michael Owen
Dave Thompson/PA Archive/Press Association ImagesBy Michael Owen's own admission Manchester United's move for him in 2009 came "
out of the blue". Owen, who had previously enjoyed successful spells at Real Madrid and United's rivals Liverpool, was a free agent at the time after being released from Newcastle United. Then came the phone call from Ferguson, an invitation to join him at breakfast the following morning, and one of that summer's most surprising transfers was completed. Many thought it wouldn't work out, that the striker was past his best and that his past allegiances to the Kop would mean the Stretford End faithful would never accept him as one of their own. However, Owen's first goal for his new club happened to come at Old Trafford against 'noisy neighbours' Manchester City, the Englishman netting a stoppage time winner in a 4-3 thriller, and all memories of him playing for Liverpool were instantly wiped away.