Manchester United committed a significant error in the summer transfer window by opting for Andre Onana, mirroring a previous misjudgment when acquiring Antony.
Onana, secured in a £43.8 million deal from Inter Milan in July, took up residence at Old Trafford.
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The 27-year-old assumed the role previously held by David de Gea, a United icon with a 12-year tenure in the Premier League.
Adjusting to English football has proven challenging for Onana. His errors played a part in United’s premature exit from the Champions League group stages, and his performance in building up from the back has appeared uncertain.
Despite his impactful contribution to Inter’s journey to the previous season’s Champions League final, where they narrowly lost 1-0 to Manchester City, Onana has yet to fulfill expectations in reshaping United’s style under Erik ten Hag.
Former scout Bryan King, with experience at Tottenham, Aston Villa, and Everton, suggests that Manchester United might have allocated the funds spent on Onana more effectively elsewhere, considering Inter’s anticipation of a modest bid.
He told the Inside Track podcast: “Ten Hag hasn’t given me any confidence that Man United are a side that can win the Premier League.
“That must come from the people he’s brought in. A friend of mine knows the sporting director at Inter Milan and they were prepared to let Onana go for about £6million.
“Then, all of a sudden, an email comes in offering over £50million for him. “Of course, they’re not going to ask them to readjust their bid.”
This isn’t the initial instance of Manchester United overspending to secure one of Ten Hag’s prime targets.
According to The Athletic, United’s scouts had appraised Antony at £25 million during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s managerial tenure. When Ten Hag assumed the reins in 2022 and expressed the need for another attacker, the decision to acquire Antony was finalized.
Initially, United terminated discussions with Ajax, signaling they would not exceed a £60 million payment. However, as the transfer window progressed, they relented and ultimately paid £86 million for the 23-year-old, making him the second most expensive signing in United’s history.
Antony has yet to score or provide an assist this season, finding himself displaced by Alejandro Garnacho. Ahead of Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur, Ten Hag criticized Antony, attributing his dip in form to off-field issues.
The Brazil international is currently under police investigation following allegations of domestic abuse from three women. Notably, Antony has not been arrested or charged and vehemently denies all accusations.
Ten Hag told reporters: “I think his off-field issues stop him playing.They have had an impact on him, definitely, so he has to deal with that.
“So he caused them, so he has to sort them out. We will give him all the support but he has to do better.”
