“He’s Just Another Idiotic Signing Like Antony” – Marco van Basten Critiques Manchester United’s Transfer Strategy and Manuel Ugarte’s Struggles

Dutch football legend Marco van Basten has sharply criticized Manchester United’s decision to sign Manuel Ugarte, calling him “just another idiotic signing” in a recent interview. The criticism came after Ugarte’s lackluster performance in United’s 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, which saw the midfielder struggle to impose himself against a dominant Tottenham side. Van Basten’s comments not only focused on Ugarte’s performance but also aimed at Erik ten Hag’s overall transfer strategy, suggesting that the manager’s choices and spending in the transfer market have been problematic for Manchester United.

Ugarte, who joined Manchester United from PSG for a reported fee of €50 million (£42.3m) in the summer, was expected to provide solidity and dynamism in the Red Devils’ midfield. However, despite the big-money move, the Uruguayan has yet to meet the high expectations placed on him. Van Basten, speaking on Ziggo Sport, questioned how Ugarte even made it to Old Trafford, stating, “How is this guy even there? It’s absurd how much (Ten Hag) has chosen to invest in players who aren’t even that good.”

The signing of Ugarte was one of five significant transfers made by United this summer, as Ten Hag sought to improve his squad. Yet, as the club struggles to find form, many are questioning whether Ugarte was the right addition. Although he was linked with Chelsea a year ago, his move to United has raised doubts about his ability to make an impact in the Premier League. Ugarte was known for his tackling prowess at PSG, but the intensity of the Premier League and the pressure of playing for a club in crisis have clearly affected his early performances.

Former Premier League player Robbie Earle also weighed in on the situation, offering a sympathetic view of Ugarte’s predicament. Earle argued that Ugarte, along with other new signings, has come to a club that seems to lack clear direction. “I felt a bit sorry for Ugarte,” Earle said on NBC. “He came to Manchester United as a prominent midfielder, intending to play alongside Kobbie Mainoo, but there’s chaos all around him. It’s hard to know what they’re trying to achieve.”

Van Basten’s criticism did not stop with Ugarte. The Dutch legend turned his focus on the bigger issue at Manchester United — the lack of quality players. Despite the summer’s spending spree, Van Basten pointed out that there is a severe shortage of top-class players at Old Trafford. “Can you name one top player at Manchester United?” Van Basten asked, before listing the few players he deems worthy of note. “Rashford is performing poorly. Bruno Fernandes is a good player, and Onana is a solid goalkeeper. But that’s about it. Casemiro’s career is finished. Garnacho is an adequate player. But no one in that team steps up to lead.”

The issues at Manchester United are much deeper than just individual performances. The club has struggled in the early stages of the season, accumulating only seven points from their first six matches. This poor start has raised alarms over Ten Hag’s ability to turn things around. The manager’s tactical choices, his reliance on certain players, and his recruitment strategy have all come under scrutiny. The defeat to Tottenham was just the latest in a series of underwhelming results that have fans questioning whether the club is headed in the right direction.

Manchester United’s transfer strategy, particularly under Ten Hag, has been heavily criticized for its inconsistency. While some signings, like Christian Eriksen and Casemiro, have had positive impacts, others have struggled to adapt to the Premier League. Ugarte’s struggles are just the latest example of a signing that has not lived up to expectations, raising questions about the club’s scouting and recruitment process. Ten Hag has spent significant money to bring in new players, but the lack of progress on the pitch has led many to wonder if the manager’s transfer decisions are truly the right ones for the long-term success of the club.

Van Basten’s comments come at a time when United’s future is uncertain. With a squad that lacks leadership, cohesion, and direction, the pressure on Erik ten Hag is mounting. Many fans and pundits are starting to question whether the Dutch coach can deliver on the promises made when he took over at Old Trafford. His reign has been marked by a mix of highs and lows, and the lack of consistency in performances and results has led to growing concerns about his ability to guide the team back to the top of English football.

As for Ugarte, his future at Manchester United looks uncertain. The midfielder’s struggles to settle into the Premier League have put him under the microscope, and with the club’s disappointing performances, his signing is now part of a larger debate about whether Ten Hag’s transfer dealings have been successful. With the January transfer window fast approaching, it remains to be seen whether United will look to make further signings to strengthen the squad or whether they will stick with the players they have.

One thing is clear: if Manchester United is to get back on track, significant changes need to be made. Whether it’s the managerial situation, the quality of players, or the club’s overall direction, something has to give. The club cannot afford to continue down the current path, or they risk falling further behind in the race for top-four positions in the Premier League and their pursuit of trophies. The pressure on Erik ten Hag to deliver results will only increase as the season progresses, and his decisions in the coming months could determine his future at the club.

The situation at Manchester United is far from ideal, and unless changes are made soon, the club risks being stuck in a rut. With players like Ugarte underperforming and the team as a whole lacking a clear identity, it’s clear that United’s management needs to address these issues before they spiral further out of control. Whether Ten Hag can turn things around remains to be seen, but the club’s situation is becoming increasingly dire with each passing week.

As Manchester United enters the next phase of the season, it will be crucial for the club to find a way to stabilize. The challenges are many, and the road ahead is filled with obstacles. However, if the club can make the right adjustments, there is still hope for a turnaround. But for now, the pressure is squarely on Erik ten Hag, and the eyes of the football world are watching closely to see if he can navigate his team through these turbulent times.

The coming weeks will be crucial for Manchester United as they look to regroup and salvage their season. With critics like Van Basten pointing to the club’s shortcomings, it’s clear that the pressure is on to make the necessary changes. Whether that’s through tactical adjustments, changes in personnel, or perhaps even a change in manager, something needs to shift if the club is to avoid a further slide down the Premier League table. The next few games will be critical in determining whether United can turn their season around or whether they will continue to struggle under the weight of their current issues.