Man Utd Transfers: 10 Talented Players Who Utterly Failed At Old Trafford

8. Alan Smith

An extremely passionate Leeds United player, Alan Smith won the 'Supporter's Player of the Year' award two years running in 2003 and 2004 at the Yorkshire club before it imploded. His goal tally wasn't brilliant for a striker, but his willingness to give his all and his determination meant he was an excellent squad player and that clearly caught the eye of Sir Alex Ferguson. But then, Smith went from hero to villain when he signed for bitter rivals Manchester United for £7million at the end of the 2004 season. As a striker, he scored ten goals in his first season, but when Wayne Rooney and Van Nistelrooy are your positional competition, not many players would stand a chance in getting a regular first team place, and he found himself quickly relegated to the bench, where his passion for football seemed to evaporate before his very eyes. For some reason, Sir Alex then tried him in midfield as the 'new Roy Keane,' but that failed miserably, and unfortunately for Smith and for Newcastle United (who later signed him) the tactical tinkering meant he was never really sure how to play in either position any more. Ultimately, after an injury-laden few years, including months out with a horrendous broken leg cause by a rifling free kick from Liverpool left-back John Arne Riise, Smith failed to recapture the passion and talent he had shown at Elland Road, and left for Tyneside after just three years.