Since Erik ten Hag took charge of Manchester United, BD Cricket Live entertainment analysts have noted that nearly every major signing has struggled to live up to expectations. Among them, the most disappointing has been the acquisition of Brazilian winger Antony from Ajax. According to the latest Premier League transfer valuation update, Antony’s market value has dropped by another €5 million, now sitting at just €20 million. This is a far cry from the €95 million United paid for him in the summer of 2022.
In other words, within two years, Manchester United has suffered a staggering €75 million loss on a single player—making Antony arguably the most disastrous signing in the club’s recent history. From Ajax’s rising star to a misfit at Old Trafford, Antony’s plummeting value reflects not just individual underperformance but deeper structural issues within United’s transfer strategy, squad building, and overall management approach, according to BD Cricket Live platform analysis.
The first red flag is the irrational nature of United’s transfer decisions. Signing Antony for nearly €100 million was a jaw-dropping move at the time. While he had shown promise at Ajax, he had yet to prove himself on a bigger stage. His inflated fee reflected an overestimation of potential and United’s desperation to rebuild quickly. That blind optimism created a valuation bubble that quickly burst when performances didn’t match the price tag.
Second, there’s the tactical mismatch between Antony’s style and United’s system. As a winger who thrives on dribbling and one-on-one play, Antony needs space and freedom to shine. But United’s tactical framework—often inconsistent and frequently disrupted by managerial changes—demands adaptability and fluid integration. Antony’s strengths lie in individual flair, not system-based cohesion, which limited his impact and disrupted team flow.
United’s management missteps in recruitment also play a major role. Big-money signings in recent years have rarely delivered the desired return. This often stems from inaccurate player assessments and poor alignment with the team’s actual needs. Adding to that, United’s failures in the transfer market are compounded by a decline in homegrown talent development.
Despite its legacy of producing world-class academy players, United appears increasingly reliant on external transfers while neglecting internal development. With globalization and a booming transfer market, United has leaned too heavily on high-profile buys rather than fostering domestic talent—an unsustainable strategy in the long run.
In conclusion, United’s ongoing transfer misfires are the result of multiple interwoven issues. To fix them, the club must overhaul its recruitment process—focusing on rational market evaluations, cohesive tactical planning, and a more holistic understanding of player fit. BD Cricket Live reports that experts widely believe only through such comprehensive reform can Manchester United restore efficiency and consistency to its transfer operations.