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.”
Van Basten’s criticism highlights the broader issue at Manchester United—poor recruitment and a lack of tactical cohesion under Ten Hag. Ugarte was expected to bring defensive stability to the midfield, but if he’s struggling this early, it raises concerns about how he fits into the system.
Earle’s point about the chaos around Ugarte is valid, though. Even top-quality players will struggle in a disjointed team. Van Basten’s harsh take on United’s squad is telling—if there’s no clear leader or standout performer, it’s a sign of deeper issues beyond just individual players.
Do you think Ugarte is being scapegoated too early, or is his performance genuinely worrying?
