He’s just another idiotic signing like Anthony. He was totally clueless against Tottenham Hotspur. Overall the club is more likely to be relegated if something is not done to fix the sh*t they are in currently” – Dutch football legend Marco van Basten has harshly criticized Manchester United’s decision to sign a player he deems “idiotic” in a recent critique of Erik ten Hag.

Manuel Ugarte was among five significant signings made by Manchester United this summer, but he is already facing criticism as Erik ten Hag’s recruitment strategy and transfer expenditures come under fire.

Marco van Basten criticized Manchester United’s Manuel Ugarte following Sunday’s defeat to Tottenham.

The Uruguayan, who was brought in from PSG this summer to strengthen the Red Devils’ midfield, struggled to prevent the north London side from dominating at Old Trafford. Although Ugarte only spent a year in Paris, expectations were high when he was signed.

Van Basten pointed out the player’s shortcomings and questioned Erik ten Hag’s recruitment choices. The manager’s track record in the transfer market has been inconsistent, especially with several new signings made this summer.

The Dutch football legend described the amount of money spent by the Old Trafford hierarchy on players during Ten Hag’s tenure as “idiotic,” putting Ugarte in the spotlight.

Van Basten remarked on Ziggo Sport, “I saw a new player, Ugarte, walking around at Manchester United, signed for €50 million (£42.3m). 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.”

Ugarte was also a target for Chelsea a year ago, and his statistics on tackles made from midfield showcased what he could potentially contribute to United.

However, former Premier League player Robbie Earle expressed sympathy for the Uruguayan, suggesting that he has joined a team lacking a clear identity.

He commented on NBC, “It’s often difficult to discern what they’re trying to achieve. I felt a bit sorry for Ugarte; he came to Manchester United as a prominent midfielder, intending to play alongside Kobbie Mainoo, but there’s chaos all around him.”

Van Basten intensified his criticism of Manchester United, who have only accumulated seven points from their first six matches of the season.

The Dutch legend stated that the club has a limited number of quality players, singling out specific individuals.

He said, “Can you name one top player at Manchester United? You typically see a standout player at every club. (Marcus) Rashford is performing poorly.

Bruno Fernandes is a good player, and (Andre) Onana is a solid goalkeeper. But that’s about it. Casemiro’s career is finished. (Alejandro) Garnacho is an adequate player. However, no one in that team steps up to lead.”
Marco van Basten’s criticism of Manchester United’s Manuel Ugarte highlights some of the ongoing scrutiny surrounding Erik ten Hag’s transfer decisions and the club’s overall strategy. Ugarte, who joined United from PSG for €50 million this summer, has faced challenges adapting to the Premier League, especially during high-stakes matches, like the recent defeat against Tottenham. Van Basten’s comments on Ziggo Sport underscored his skepticism about the high price tags United has been willing to pay under Ten Hag, questioning the value Ugarte has brought to the squad so far.

Robbie Earle, on the other hand, offered a more empathetic view, suggesting that Ugarte’s struggles might stem from broader issues at Manchester United, including an unclear tactical approach. Earle pointed out that Ugarte joined expecting to find stability in midfield but instead walked into a situation with an undefined playing style and an evolving squad.

Van Basten continued his critique by reflecting on United’s lack of standout players, expressing doubts about key figures like Marcus Rashford and Casemiro. While he acknowledged Bruno Fernandes and Andre Onana as reliable, he argued that the club lacks the star power typically associated with top teams, emphasizing that no one in the current squad seems capable of consistently stepping up to lead.

This commentary adds to the growing pressure on Ten Hag to deliver results amid rising transfer expenditures and high expectations for new signings like Ugarte. Whether United can develop a more cohesive identity and fully leverage their recent investments remains a crucial challenge for Ten Hag as he navigates the season.