“I Don’t Think We’re Buying Players To Win The League” – Ex-Manchester United Striker Blasts Club’s Transfer Recruitment Under Erik Ten Hag

Former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke has criticised the club’s recruitment and claims they are spending too much money on players who aren’t good enough. 

The Red Devils are currently 12th in the Premier League and come off the back of a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Spurs in the league. Their form has put Erik Ten Hag under pressure and his job at risk.

Dwight Yorke believes that one of the biggest issues at United is their recruitment while Ten Hag has been at the club. He told Prime Casino: “I think we’re just buying the players to help us finish fourth. I don’t think we’re buying players to win the league. You’ve got to walk before you can run, but United are so far gone that the players they’re bringing in are not even starters for their national sides.


“There’s no aspiration at the club because I haven’t heard United say in the last few years that they are aiming to win the league. If you’re not sending out that message, how would I think we’re going to win?”

Manchester United has spent over £600 million since Ten Hag joined as manager in the summer of 2022, yet their best finish under the Dutchman was third place in his first season.

Yorke was critical over the players that United have bought and highlighted Alexander Isak at Newcastle and Michael Olise at Bayern as two players the club should have signed.

“You can’t tell me that they [Isak and Olise] wouldn’t have come to Manchester United.” He added, “You want hungry players to come in at United and take the club forward. These current signings, we don’t know them until they actually come to the club.”

Manchester United’s biggest signings in the Ten Hag era

Antony was the most expensive player that Ten Hag signed as United paid £79.5 million for the winger. He has since made 84 appearances, scoring 12 goals and five assists – a small return for such a big fee.

Next after that is former Real Madrid star Casemiro who United signed for £59 million in 2022. His first season for the Red Devils was impressive, but two years on and he’s sat on Ten Hag’s bench.

Both Antony and Casemiro are now fringe players for the club when a combined investment of almost £139 million between the two players has to warrant results.

High transfer fees aren’t creating profits

Furthermore, Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount cost a combined £115.5 million. Neither of them have become top players for United albeit, they are starting games.

Dwight Yorke believes that something must change, and under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ownership, it may have to if they are to stop overspending on players that they don’t get a return on.

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