Erik ten Hag has come under fire for allegedly wasting £400 million on subpar players following Manchester United’s disastrous Champions League exit.
Former United defender Jaap Stam believes that Ten Hag, a Dutchman, has overpaid for mediocre players who are unfit to wear the renowned red shirt. With only four points, their lowest-ever total, and 15 goals conceded, the most by a Premier League team in the competition’s history, United was eliminated from the Champions League.
If Ten Hag’s team doesn’t advance past the round of 32 or even qualify for the Europa League, their summer transfer budget might be slashed by up to £30 million. Fearing a replay of United’s 7-0 thrashing there from the previous season, Ten Hag leads his crisis-ridden team to Liverpool on Sunday. Up to 13 United players may be sidelined.
Ten Hag’s acquisitions were criticised by Stam, especially the £82 million signing of Antony, a winger who isn’t talented enough to play for United. According to Stam, “if you want to play a certain way, you look at players you’ve worked with in the past so they can help you out, and Ten Hag has done that,” in an interview with the Stick to Football podcast.
However, you must exercise caution, as you must consider the league you are in, the place you are going, and whether they can contribute on the same level. Many of the new players are finding it difficult to perform at that level.
“It’s not just about skill; it’s about body language. You need to be shrewd and have legs to sprint across the pitch. To perform and reach a certain level, the entire package must be present.
It’s difficult to identify players on United’s current roster who you believe have what it takes to compete at the highest level. Based on my observations of Antony, he is not up to the level that United is looking for.
“His charge surprised me. It’s difficult to see how he can advance to the Premier League and rank among the best wingers in the league who can truly make an impact. He wasn’t the best player in Holland, but he did alright.
“He performed passably for Ajax, but then again, they play in a league with only a few elite players and a large number of mediocre players.”
