Erik ten Hag splashed £86m on Antony. (Image: GETTY)
Erik ten Hag lifted two major trophies in as many years as manager, but the Dutchman’s dismal recruitment record has left many pondering whether his reign did more damage than good. will require time to reshape the dysfunctional squad Ten Hag formed at Old Trafford.
That much was as clear as it has ever been in Thursday night’s 3-1 win against Southampton in the .
Amorim called on Antony to replace Kobbie Mainoo at half-time, a drastic and necessary change, with United trailing on home turf to the rock-bottom Saints.
And while the Brazilian winger added some much-needed energy into the hosts’ lethargic legs, his performance won’t be remembered fondly.
In the 59th minute came an incident that epitomises Antony’s disastrous United career since becoming the third most expensive signing in the club’s history in 2022.
Ten Hag sanctioned a staggering £86million deal to bring the 24-year-old to Manchester from Ajax, but just 12 goals and five assists in 95 games have earned him mega-flop status.
It’s a measly contribution tally – and one that comes as no surprise, given his nightmare miss in the 59th minute that would’ve spared United the dramatic climax required to avoid embarrassment.
Garnacho found the Red Devils No. 21 lurking at the back post with a perfect cross-goal ball, but his over-reliance on his left foot caused a mishap.
Amad is the star of this Man Utd team. (Image: Getty)
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Antony completely miskicked the ball and tumbled over as it rolled into Aaron Ramsdale’s grateful grasp.
You’d need more than one hand to name the Ten Hag signings who you look at and consider where United could be had they spent their transfer fee more wisely.
Antony is the finest example of them all, and Amad’s 12-minute hat-trick to rescue his side smeared the egg already in Ten Hag’s face.
Amad ended last season as United’s best player and looked primed to play an increased role this term, but Ten Hag’s continued snubs sparked increasingly intense discontent.
His decision to introduce Antony off the bench instead of the 22-year-old in the 1-1 draw at Fenerbahce in the Europa League was the final straw for many.
Ten Hag didn’t last much longer after that. Ruud van Nistelrooy breathed new life into Amad, and Amorim has already thanked the former interim boss for his role in setting him on the right path.
United are now reaping the rewards and have much more to look forward to after tying the Ivorian ace down until 2030 earlier this week.
But Amad’s immense impact naturally draws frustration about the level he and United could be at if Ten Hag had unleashed him sooner rather than causing financial ruin with reckless, miscalculated recruits.