{"id":295616,"date":"2023-11-06T06:24:14","date_gmt":"2023-11-06T06:24:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportslifetale.com\/?p=295616"},"modified":"2023-11-06T06:24:14","modified_gmt":"2023-11-06T06:24:14","slug":"man-utds-16-signings-under-erik-ten-hag-ranked-as-surprise-antony-swap-eyed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportslifetale.com\/soccer\/man-utds-16-signings-under-erik-ten-hag-ranked-as-surprise-antony-swap-eyed\/","title":{"rendered":"Man Utd’s 16 signings under Erik ten Hag ranked as surprise Antony ‘swap’ eyed"},"content":{"rendered":"

What has gone wrong at Man Utd?<\/h3>\n

Erik ten Hag has only overseen three transfer windows as Manchester United manager, but he’s sanctioned 16 deals at a combined price surpassing \u00a3400million. Some have been hits, some have been misses, but the jury is still out for most. That’s to be expected, given he’s only 18 months into a long-term project.<\/p>\n

Ten Hag has had a prominent say in United’s transfer business since taking to the Old Trafford hot seat, working alongside John Murtough at the head of the club’s football department.<\/p>\n

His role will likely decrease once Sir Jim Ratcliffe completes a \u00a31.3billion deal to buy 25 per cent of United and take control of sporting operations.<\/p>\n

A sporting director is expected to be among the first appointments in Sir Jim’s INEOS-led structure, with Paul Mitchell reportedly in the frame.<\/p>\n

So, it’s a good time to reflect. Express Sport ranks Ten Hag’s 16 United signings, assessing the good, the bad and the downright ugly…<\/p>\n

16 – Jack Butland<\/h2>\n

He came, he saw, he… didn’t play a single minute. Jack Butland replaced Martin Dubravka in January, but David de Gea was ever-present after his arrival.<\/p>\n

15 – Altay Bayindir<\/h2>\n

Like Butland, Altay Bayindir arrived in the summer to provide Andre Onana with backup. But he, too, is yet to pull on the No 1 shirt he inherited from De Gea.<\/p>\n

Click <\/strong>here<\/strong> to join our Man Utd WhatsApp community to be the first to receive breaking and exclusive Red Devils news.<\/strong><\/p>\n

READ MORE <\/strong> Anthony Martial \u2018stormed down tunnel\u2019 after Fulham win to spark away fan fury[REPORT] <\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

14 – Antony<\/h2>\n

Ten Hag made Antony the second-most expensive signing in United’s history last summer, splashing \u00a385m to reunite with the Ajax star. The 23-year-old winger has produced a measly eight goals in 54 appearances since.<\/p>\n

Antony is significantly one-footed, unable to take his man on down the outside, and possesses the finishing ability of a player worth not even half his fee. He currently represents a black stain on Ten Hag’s judgement, and reports that he has already lost his faith are no surprise.<\/p>\n

13 – Mason Mount<\/h2>\n

Mason Mount has been described as Ten Hag’s Donny van de Beek, and it’s easy to see why. There’s a player worth \u00a360m in there, but club captain Bruno Fernandes occupies his favourite position.<\/p>\n

Mount’s fee could’ve addressed one or two of United’s many problem positions. He can’t play alongside Fernandes in a midfield three or in a double pivot. And Ten Hag has realised that, already relegating him to a bench option. Baffling.<\/p>\n

12 – Martin Dubravka<\/h2>\n

Dubravka featured twice at the start of United’s Carabao Cup-winning campaign, keeping a clean sheet in one and conceding twice in the other. Newcastle United terminated his loan midway through. Fans weren’t devastated.<\/p>\n