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 harsh critique of Manchester United and Manuel Ugarte highlights the mounting pressure on Erik ten Hag and his summer signings. Ugarte, who arrived for €50 million to bolster United’s midfield, struggled during the recent loss to Tottenham, a game where United’s lack of cohesion was evident.

Van Basten’s remarks underscore skepticism about Ten Hag’s recruitment choices, labeling the investment in players like Ugarte as excessive. His criticism extended to the club’s broader squad quality, calling out underperforming stars like Marcus Rashford and questioning whether the team has any standout leaders aside from Bruno Fernandes and goalkeeper Andre Onana.

Robbie Earle, however, offered a more nuanced perspective, pointing to systemic issues at United. He noted that Ugarte, expected to form a partnership with Kobbie Mainoo, has instead found himself in a team lacking a clear tactical identity. Earle suggested the blame doesn’t rest solely on Ugarte but on the chaotic environment Ten Hag has yet to stabilize.

United’s slow start to the season, with just seven points from six games, amplifies the scrutiny. If Ten Hag cannot quickly address these issues, the criticism from figures like Van Basten may only grow louder, raising questions about United’s transfer strategy and the club’s direction under the Dutchman.