Erik ten Hag Man Utd Signings Ranked From £85m Flop Antony to Chelsea Cast-Off Mason Mount
Erik ten Hag Man Utd Signings Ranked: From £85m Flop Antony to Chelsea Cast-Off Mason Mount
Manchester United return to football prominence under Erik ten Hag has been marked by a mixed bag of signings. Some arrivals have performed admirably, while others have struggled to meet the high expectations of wearing the famous red shirt. As Manchester United continues its journey toward re-establishing itself as a Premier League powerhouse, it’s essential to examine these new additions under Ten Hag tenure, including the big-money moves like Antony and Mason Mount.
In this article, we will rank the key signings made by Erik ten Hag, from the highly-criticized transfer of Antony to the promising acquisition of Chelsea’s Mason Mount, as well as other players who’ve either exceeded expectations or fallen short.
1. Antony – £85m Flop?
When Manchester United shelled out a staggering £85 million to bring Antony from Ajax to Old Trafford in the summer of 2022, fans had high hopes for the Brazilian winger. Antony had dazzled at Ajax under Ten Hag, and his skillful dribbling, ability to cut inside, and knack for long-range goals were expected to transform United’s attack.
However, Antony has largely failed to live up to his price tag. His performances have been inconsistent, often characterized by flashy dribbling but lacking in end product. The winger’s lack of goals and assists has drawn criticism from fans and pundits alike. Some have even labeled him a flop, suggesting that the Brazilian hasn’t justified his massive fee.
While it’s too early to completely write Antony off, the early signs point to disappointment. At this point, the pressure is on for Antony to improve his game, particularly his decision-making in the final third. Without significant improvement, Antony risks being remembered as one of the most expensive mistakes in recent Manchester United history.
2. Mason Mount – Chelsea Cast-Off or Key Midfielder?
Mason Mount’s move to Manchester United in the summer of 2023 raised plenty of eyebrows. The £55 million deal saw United snap up the former Chelsea midfielder, but questions remain whether the England international can elevate his game at Old Trafford.
Mount’s time at Chelsea was filled with highs and lows. At his best, he was a dynamic midfielder capable of playing across various positions, contributing with goals and assists. His pressing, work rate, and vision on the ball made him a standout player under Thomas Tuchel during Chelsea’s Champions League-winning campaign. However, Mount’s final season at Stamford Bridge was hampered by injuries and poor form, leading many to label him a Chelsea cast-off.
At Manchester United, Mount has yet to fully settle in. Injuries have limited his game time, and when he has played, he’s been used in several different roles, from a deep-lying playmaker to an advanced attacking midfielder. The lack of consistency in his positioning has impacted his ability to shine. Despite this, Mount’s versatility and football IQ could make him a valuable long-term asset. For now, though, the jury is still out on whether Mount can live up to his price tag and solidify a spot in Ten Hag’s midfield.
3. Lisandro Martinez – A Defensive Rock
One of the bright spots among Erik ten Hag’s signings has been Lisandro Martinez, who joined from Ajax for around £57 million. Dubbed the “Butcher of Amsterdam” for his aggressive style, Martinez quickly became a fan favorite at Old Trafford.
Initially criticized for his height as a center-back, Martinez silenced doubters with his combative defending, positional awareness, and exceptional passing range. His partnership with Raphaël Varane in the heart of United’s defense has been crucial to the team’s resurgence under Ten Hag.
Martinez’s ability to play out from the back has been instrumental in United’s build-up play, while his leadership on the pitch has provided a new level of grit and determination. He has arguably been one of the best signings under Ten Hag, fully justifying his price tag with consistent top-level performances.
4. Casemiro – Midfield Maestro
In one of the more surprising moves of the 2022 summer transfer window, Manchester United secured the services of Casemiro from Real Madrid for £60 million. Casemiro, a five-time Champions League winner, was brought in to bolster United’s midfield with experience, leadership, and defensive solidity.
Casemiro has been nothing short of brilliant for Manchester United. His arrival brought much-needed balance to the midfield, combining his ball-winning abilities with the vision and technique to initiate attacks. Casemiro’s leadership has been crucial, particularly in big matches, where his calmness under pressure has shone through.
Despite concerns about his age (31 when he joined), Casemiro has shown he still has plenty left in the tank. He’s been instrumental in United’s revival, helping them secure a top-four finish and lifting the Carabao Cup. Casemiro remains one of the best midfielders in the world and a masterstroke signing by Ten Hag.
5. Tyrell Malacia – Promising Full-Back
Signed from Feyenoord for around £15 million, Tyrell Malacia has been a promising addition to Manchester United’s defense. While not as high-profile as some of the other signings, Malacia’s tenacity, athleticism, and versatility have made him a reliable option at left-back.
Though he’s mostly been used as a backup for Luke Shaw, Malacia has impressed when given the chance, particularly with his defensive work rate. His ability to get up and down the flank, as well as his crossing ability, has added depth to United’s squad. At just 23, Malacia has plenty of room for growth and could be a key player for years to come.
6. Christian Eriksen – A Bargain Free Transfer
One of the best value signings of the Erik ten Hag era has been the acquisition of Christian Eriksen on a free transfer. After recovering from a heart condition that nearly ended his career, Eriksen returned to the Premier League with Brentford, where he impressed with his creativity and passing range.
United swooped in to bring Eriksen to Old Trafford in 2022, and the Danish playmaker has added a new dimension to the midfield. His vision, set-piece delivery, and ability to dictate the tempo of matches have been invaluable for United, particularly in breaking down deep-lying defenses.
While Eriksen’s defensive work can sometimes be lacking, his contribution to United’s attack has more than made up for it. As a free transfer, Eriksen has been an outstanding piece of business and a key part of United’s success under Ten Hag.
Conclusion: Erik ten Hag Mixed Transfer Record
In conclusion, Erik ten Hag’s transfer dealings at Manchester United have been a mixed bag. While there have been some disappointments, like Antony’s underwhelming performances, there have also been several success stories, such as Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez, who have transformed the team’s defense and midfield. Mason Mount’s future remains uncertain, but his versatility could prove invaluable in the long term.
The challenge for Ten Hag now is to find consistency among his new signings and ensure they can deliver the kind of performances that Manchester United needs to compete for trophies again. With a mix of experienced leaders and promising youngsters, United’s future under Ten Hag looks bright, but only time will tell if these signings can truly elevate the club back to the top of English football.
