£150m WASTED!: Ten Hag’s transfers have already failed for Man Utd

24 Aug 2023 14:24 BST
4 min read

Erik ten Hag, Manchester United, 2022/23 — © ProShots

Manchester United headed into this summer with huge optimism after qualifying for the Champions League, winning a domestic trophy and reaching another final in Erik ten Hag’s first season at the helm. Yet two games into the new campaign, the hope appears to be fading into mediocrity.

Ten Hag’s side have started this season unconvincingly, somehow narrowly winning at home to a dominant Wolves side before being outclassed yet again in a 2-0 loss to Tottenham.

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United have spent nearly £200 million this summer, including signing the number nine that Ten Hag’s side was so desperately missing last season, while also bringing in a more progressive upgrade on David de Gea in goal, as well as a true athletic midfielder.

RANKINGS: Which teams have spent the most money this summer?

So how can the mood have declined so much at Old Trafford? Only two other sides in the Premier League in Chelsea and Arsenal have spent more than the Red Devils this summer yet Ten Hag would still feel underprepared if the transfer window were to close with no further incomings to the squad.

Indeed, United are still on the hunt for another midfielder, as well as a backup goalkeeper, another forward and, in an ideal world, a long-term replacement for Harry Maguire while also sending the ex-captain out the door. However, Ten Hag would consider himself fortunate to even have one of these things occur before next week’s deadline.

Perhaps the biggest concern for the United boss is the realisation that roughly £132m of his £178m spending will be missing for at least 10% of the season, just two games into the campaign – and therein lies the true issue at the club after another below-par summer of recruitment.

Pressure piling on Ten Hag after unconvincing transfer business

United have been hit with the news that Mason Mount will be out of action for three to six weeks after picking up a hamstring injury in his second game for the club, joining new striker Rasmus Hojlund on the sidelines, with the £72m signing unlikely to make his debut until next month.

It means that, after all the big spending, United will face off in their next game against Nottingham Forest with Andre Onana as their sole new addition to the team from last season.

Although Hojlund was understood to have been hurt at the time of his signing, Ten Hag cannot be blamed for players getting injured, however the decision to pin United’s goalscoring hopes on a 20-year-old unproven striker was already under scrutiny.

The Hojlund signing could end up as misguided as Ten Hag’s pursuit of Antony last summer, which has seen the Brazilian struggle to live up to his £85m price tag.

REVEALED: The FIFTY players United could have signed for the price of Antony

United seemingly opted for quality over quantity this summer, yet the quality has yet to show itself and the squad is already being exposed for its lack of depth.

While supporters would be right to point out the limited investment by the club’s owners compared to rival sides, United still remain the second-highest spenders in world football since Ten Hag’s arrival with very little to show for it.

The pressure could pile on the Dutchman going into his second season and the sympathy to his issues may soon expire unless Ten Hag can get quality out of his beleaguered squad – or risk paying the ultimate price.