Erik ten Hag has made a few bold calls when it comes to his transfer business at Manchester United so far.
He has been the manager of Manchester United for just over a season now, and a lot has changed in regard to the first-team squad in that time.
He’s certainly made some quality signings. Lisandro Martinez, Rasmus Hojlund and Christian Eriksen were all inspired. However, with the good must come the bad.
One of the most expensive errors Ten Hag has made thus far has to be one of his first purchases, who he was mightily keen on bringing to Old Trafford.
Manchester United signing Antony looks like an error
As the summer transfer window of 2022 dwindled on, Manchester United were increasingly linked with Ten Hag’s former Ajax player – Antony.
The young, tricky Brazilian had been lighting up the Eredivisie the year before and was keen to link back up with his former boss in Manchester. But there was a problem, Ajax valued Antony at an extremely high price.
After weeks of negotiations, it was the 30th of August 2022 when the two clubs finally came to an agreement. Manchester United would pay £82m for the winger’s services.
This was a relief to many, with United already a few games into the season and seemingly starved of any pace in the front three. It was an exciting time.
Now, a year and three months on – this looks to be an absolute calamity. Any United fan can tell you how poor Antony has been, particularly this season.
A stark comparison to who Erik ten Hag could’ve brought from Ajax…
Mohammed Kudus has been simply electric for West Ham
A man who was also at Ajax at the same time was Mohammed Kudus.
He joined the Premier League ranks this season, signing for West Ham United for £38m – which looks like a bargain.
He’s settled in immediately. He’s scoring goals, making chances and lighting up the league for his club…. everything Antony should be doing for Manchester United.
What makes it worse is that he was linked with a move to the Red Devils before the Hammers deal materialised – and was keen to play for Ten Hag again.
We’re not saying that Kudus should’ve been purchased at the time instead of Antony. The Brazilian was putting in great performances week in and week out – whilst Kudus struggled with injury, so it was hard to tell.
However, what Ten Hag can be somewhat judged for is his business this summer. He could’ve easily atoned for the Antony error by getting Kudus, but decided to go for a certain £55m star instead.
Mohamed Kudus should’ve been signed over Mason Mount
Mason Mount was deemed the manager’s number-one midfield target at the beginning of the window. Since joining, he’s featured very little and been mediocre at best whilst on the Old Trafford turf.
With Kudus heading to West Ham for just £38m, it’s infuriating to think he could’ve been playing in red and white this season.
They’re different players, granted – but Kudus can play the ten role that Mount is arguably at his best in, alongside on the wing and up top.
A player for so much cheaper would’ve solved so many potential problems. Instead, we blew the money on Mount and have now been forced to struggle in other areas.
We admire Kudus as a player and are extremely glad to see him in the Premier League. Just massively bitter that it isn’t under the lights at Old Trafford.
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