Manchester United have made their fair share of poor signings over the last couple of years, many of which were approved by former manager Erik ten Hag.
The Dutchman spent big during his first summer in charge at Old Trafford, splashing over £200m on new players, including a £86m move to bring Antony with him from Ajax.
The deal for the Brazilian was the second-biggest in the club’s history, but the deal has been a complete disaster, with the 24-year-old scoring just 12 times in 96 appearances.
However, he’s since moved on loan to LaLiga side Real Betis, rediscovering his form in the final third, notching three goals and one assist in his first four outings for his new outfit.
Antony hasn’t been the only attacker not to live up to expectations in the attacking department over the last few years, with two other first-team members struggling to make the desired impact.
Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee’s stats in 2024/25
The centre-forward role has always been an iconic one for the Red Devils, but in 2024/25, no player has been able to thrive under the pressure it brings.
Rasmus Hojlund has been the number-one option under Ruben Amorim but has failed to take advantage of the trust shown in him, scoring just seven times across all competitions this campaign.
The £72m addition hasn’t found the back of the net since the Europa League triumph over Viktoria Plzen back in December, currently enduring a 15-game drought without finding the back of the net.
As a result of the faith shown in the Dane, Joshua Zirkzee has often had to settle for an impact role, resulting in minutes off the bench, but has still managed to find the net on five occasions throughout 2024/25.
The Dutchman joined in a £36.5m deal from Bologna in the summer, struggling to meet the demands of the Premier League – even being substituted in the first half in the defeat against Newcastle United.
To make matters worse for the Red Devils, one player who also failed to impress at Old Trafford has outscored the aforementioned pair during the ongoing campaign, rediscovering his goalscoring form after his departure.
The former United player who’s outscored Hojlund & Zirkzee
After taking the role and making a host of additions in his first window, former boss Ten Hag once again targeted reinforcements during his second window in January 2023.
His search led him to a move for compatriot Wout Weghorst, who joined United on loan from Burnley for the second half of the season, offering a senior option to the former Ajax boss.
The now 32-year-old would go on to make 17 league appearances in the North West, unable to find the back of the net, as United secured a third-place finish – in what was a respectable first year at the helm for Ten Hag.
Weghorst, who earned £35k-per-week during his spell, would find the net on two occasions, with his two efforts coming in the Europa League and Carabao Cup as he helped the club win the latter for the first time in six years.
However, despite his time in Manchester, the club decided against making the temporary spell permanent – subsequently returning to his parent side and moving on loan to Ajax for the current campaign.
League
7
3
2
Cup
1
2
5
Total
8
5
7
Mins per goal
128
297
266
His move back to his homeland has allowed him to rediscover his goalscoring form, thriving with regular game time for the Dutch outfit, scoring eight times across all competitions – subsequently outscoring Hojlund and Zirkzee in the process.
Weghorst’s form away from Old Trafford must rub salt into the wounds of the fanbase, especially after their dismal recent run of form which has seen them slip to 15th in the league standings.
The form of the current options at Amorim’s disposal is a cause for concern, highlighting the challenges the 40-year-old faces if he is to be a success and end the club’s decade wait for a league title.
However, it’s glaringly obvious that reinforcements are needed at the top end of the pitch this summer, with the club in desperate need of a change in fortunes amid the unacceptable position they currently find themselves in at present.
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ByEthan LambFeb 20, 2025
