Poor performances, questionable personalities, messed up recruiting and a general lack of direction – all those things contributed to making Manchester United a laughing stock. The 2-1 loss at Nottingham Forest on Saturday night was miserable, but it surprised nobody. Perhaps that is the most damning aspect of United’s plight – it’s that it’s become normal.Former Manchester United player Gary Neville criticized his club’s recent spending in the transfer market, especially in light of the defeat. “Manchester United are back to what they are – inconsistent and awful. They walk off the pitch a defeated bunch. United fans behind the goal will go off so disappointed.”For the Red Devils’ coach, the Sherwood Forest can turn out to be hellDespite their spirited attempt to equalize after conceding, the loss means United could drop to as low as 10th in the standings once other teams catch up with their games. This season has been full of disappointment for the Red Devils, despite substantial investment and support for manager Erik Ten Hag, who has yet to deliver positive results at the helm.##NAJAVA_MECA_7769417##During a discussion on Sky Sports, Neville questioned the club’s recruitment strategy and the hefty fees paid for certain players. His comments highlight concerns about the effectiveness of United’s spending and the lack of substantial returns in terms of on-field performance.”The $108 million spent on Antony is the one that is going to stand out. He’s obviously nowhere near that level but even $90 million on Rasmus Hojlund is a lot of money, $70 million on Mason Mount, $76 million for Casemiro on a five-year deal is a lot of money. There are a lot of deals you can start to look at with a glass half empty when you look at the recruitment. Gone are the days where managers would travel three or four nights a week to watch other players. They would been like a chief scout or a head of the academy. It’s now a global scouting game with people going across the world. Those people have to be trusted to go and select the right players.”At a club that has its hierarchy all messed up, mistakes happen more often – as the case of Manchester United clearly indicates. Neville is convinced Ten Hag’s input on transfers has hurt the club.”Scouts can’t have gone off to watch Antony and signed him off as being worth $108 million. It looks like they’ve allowed Ten Hag to overrule them, which is worrying because you need strength of leadership at the very top. I blame the football club for bringing him in for $108 million. It’s not that boy’s fault that he’s been brought in as one of the most expensive wide players in world football. He should never have been brought in for that money.”❌ LAST and ELIMINATED in Champions League groupstage.❌ SEVENTH in Premier League.❌ LOST 14/28 GAMES this season.Ten Hag’s Manchester United. 😳🏴 pic.twitter.com/TJoCHj4Vdn— Football Factly (@FootballFactly) December 31, 2023 It seems that Bruno Fernandes was notably frustrated with Antony during certain instances in the first half of the game. Antony’s perceived lack of defensive effort on the right flank seemed to draw Fernandes’ rage. This concern goes beyond the former Ajax winger’s statistics; his lack of contribution in terms of goals or assists – none in 21 appearances for United this season – appears to be compounded by his apparent lack of defensive commitment. Amad Diallo, who substituted Antony, seemed to make an immediate impact by initiating the play that led to Diogo Dalot striking the post in the 55th minute of the game. Perhaps the young Ivorian should start games ahead of the useless Brazilian.The year 2023 was supposed to be the one when Manchester United became great again. Instead, only Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s purchase of a 25 per cent stake in the club offers supporters some hope that things might change. Other than that, it’s an Unhappy New Year at Old Trafford.
