Erik ten Hag made the decision to put all his eggs in the Antony basket, rather than signing a right-back as well as a winger.
Manchester United Football Club eventually got there during an intriguing summer transfer window. The Red Devils started the window pretty slowly, but Erik ten Hag eventually ended up securing many of the players he wanted.
It goes without saying, that window was just the start, with many more signings needed if the Red Devils are serious about challenging for major honours on a regular basis.
On deadline day, the Old Trafford club eventually lured Antony to the Theatre of Dreams. It was a long, drawn-out saga that resulted in United finally getting their man.
Well, The Athletic have provided us a little snippet of information on that front, claiming that it was Ten Hag’s decision to go ‘all out’ to sign the 22-year-old Antony – at the cost of bringing in a right-back.
Obviously, there’s no such thing as unlimited funds and Antony arrived at United as the second-most expensive transfer in the Red Devils’ history. Splashing so much cash on the Brazilian meant that there wasn’t enough funds left in the bank to sign someone who can challenge Diogo Dalot for that starting right-back position.
It’s early days, but Dalot has taken to life under Ten Hag brilliantly, with the Portugal international starting to look like the top-class player who Jose Mourinho decided to sign all those years ago. If Dalot can keep up with that form, until January at the earliest, this is looking like a smart decision by United’s Dutch boss.
What’s interesting is that numerous ‘industry sources’ believe United overspent on their six summer signings. That may well be true, but Ten Hag’s plan has always been about improving the structure and getting players that fit his system. I think it’s fair to say every signing made is 100% correct in that regard.
Do you think Man United and Ten Hag made the right decision to go all out for Antony? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.
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