Erik ten Hag’s transfer preferences meant that 80% of Manchester United’s starting defense against Southampton, including the goalkeeper, consisted of former Ajax players. One saved a penalty, another scored, and Lisandro Martinez was a standout performer. Amidst the criticism Ten Hag has faced, this match exemplified his successful transfer strategy.
Ten Hag has stressed that, while many of his signings have played under him before, this is not a deliberate policy. In August, he clarified, “First of all, it is club decisions, none of them is solely my decision… it has to fit also in the finance.” Despite this, the trend continued with players like Matthijs De Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, although it’s debatable whether Antony, another former Ajax player, would have fit the financial framework.
The £85 million signing of Antony has left fans disappointed, with the Brazilian contributing just 11 goals and 5 assists in 83 matches. Despite being the second-most-expensive signing in the club’s history, Antony has barely played this season. In his last appearance, he came on for Amad in the 90th minute during the Brighton match, only to witness Joao Pedro score a stoppage-time winner for the Seagulls. Ironically, the player he replaced, Amad, has been outperforming him.
Amad was Manchester United’s most dangerous attacking player during the Southampton game. He was involved in the team’s first three chances, and after Andre Onana saved a penalty, De Ligt’s goal followed shortly after. Amad also provided an assist for Marcus Rashford’s goal and completed his first full 90 minutes in a senior United shirt. His continued performance suggests more playing time ahead.
Amad, who is determined to step up this season, has already matched Antony’s Premier League goal tally from last season and is pushing Ten Hag to reconsider Antony’s role in the squad.
Antony will have chances to make a comeback, with rotation likely giving him a start in the League Cup against Barnsley. However, Alejandro Garnacho, another promising talent, might also compete for that spot. Ten Hag’s limited use of Antony so far hints at possible doubts about the Brazilian’s place in the team.Erik ten Hag’s reliance on former Ajax players in Manchester United’s defense against Southampton highlighted the strength of his transfer strategy. Players like Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs De Ligt made a significant impact, with Martinez excelling and De Ligt scoring, while Andre Onana saved a crucial penalty. Despite Ten Hag facing criticism for his perceived bias toward his former players, he has clarified that the club’s financial structure heavily influences his decisions.
Antony, the £85 million signing from Ajax, has underperformed compared to expectations. With just 11 goals and 5 assists in 83 matches, his contributions have been underwhelming. Meanwhile, Amad Diallo has emerged as a rising star, impressing in his full 90-minute performance against Southampton. He created multiple chances and provided an assist for Marcus Rashford’s goal, further challenging Antony’s role in the squad.
While Antony might get opportunities in the upcoming League Cup match against Barnsley, Alejandro Garnacho’s potential could also intensify competition. Ten Hag’s limited use of Antony this season suggests growing doubts about his place in the team, as Amad continues to push for more playing time.
