Ex-Man Utd star slams Ten Hag's 'desperate' transfer policy

Tom Weber

• Updated: 2 Feb 2024 16:05 GMT
• 3 min read

Former Manchester United player Anderson has blasted the club's recent transfer business.

The Red Devils seemingly can't catch a break. Though they did beat Wolves in the Premier League on Friday, they did so in dramatic fashion, almost throwing away a seemingly comfortable victory. The game took place on Deadline Day, which brought to an end a strange January transfer window.

Due to Financial Fair Play constraints, Man Utd were unable to bring in any high-profile players despite their atrocious first half to the campaign. Several players departed the club on loan and even when offloading deadwood, the drama at United does not stop.

Jadon Sancho has already shown at Borussia Dortmund that he is still an upgrade on Antony, Hannibal Mejbri was banished from Sevilla's first team a mere week after joining and Facundo Pellistri's agent took aim at head coach Erik ten Hag after his client joined Granada.

'Desperate' transfer business

Man Utd's transfer business in recent years has been mostly a disaster. €95 million were blown on Antony, €85m on Jadon Sancho and north of €70m on an ageing Casemiro, while Harry Maguire is still the world's most expensive defender despite rarely playing like it.

Especially under Erik ten Hag, United's signings have come under intense scrutiny due to the Dutchman seemingly focusing on only signing players he knows from previous jobs regardless of whether they are actually good enough to play for the Red Devils.

Now, ex-player Anderson has joined the chorus of voices slamming Man Utd's transfer business. “Nowadays, small clubs go to play at Old Trafford, and are not afraid," he told Globo Esporte. "Today, the club doesn’t know which manager it will have, or who controls it. It’s a mess."

"Manchester United sometimes buy very badly. If you’re going to pay €100m for a player, pay for Neymar. A player who will make a difference. Manchester United pay €70m, €80m, €90m for players who have no logic. I think the club’s desperation is so great that anyone will do.”