The Guardian: Five Transfer Windows and £600 Million – Manchester United’s Hasty Recruitment Has Barely Paid Off

The Guardian has published an article evaluating Manchester United’s recruitment under Ten Hag. After spending £600 million across five transfer windows, very few players have made a significant positive impact for the club.

The Guardian rated several transfers out of a maximum of 5 points, considering the start of United’s hasty recruitment signaled by the failed transfer of Antony.

Antony (1 point)

When the club paid £85.6 million for this Brazilian winger, they expected him to become a world-class player, but instead, he delivered incompetent performances. Antony will go down as one of the worst transfers in Manchester United’s history. Ten Hag knew him from Ajax and believed he could lead a new era at Old Trafford, but his performance was disappointing, with blame placed on Ten Hag. Off-field issues have also been challenging for the 24-year-old player.

Casemiro (2 points)

At the time, he was indeed the player that Manchester United needed, but at a hefty price tag of £50 million, it wasn’t a good deal for a midfielder over 30 years old, whose body is aging. In the past 15 months, he has struggled to keep up with the pace of the Premier League.

Holien (3 points)

He is a forward with potential, but like those before him, he lacks crucial performances. The transfer fee of £72 million seemed excessive at the time, reminding us that Manchester United has long been not smart enough in the transfer market.

De Ligt (2 points)

Another player who worked with Ten Hag at Ajax, as a 25-year-old central defender, he has rich experience. Ten Hag hoped his partnership with Martinez would provide the defensive stability that Manchester United has lacked for a long time, but he has yet to demonstrate the level promised on his resume, giving the impression of being too slow both mentally and physically.