Former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke has criticized the club’s transfer record under Erik ten Hag.
Yorke, who scored 66 goals in 152 games for United between 1998 and 2002, winning major honors including the treble in 1998/99, is disappointed with the current situation at Old Trafford.
United is currently struggling in the Premier League, sitting in 13th place with only seven points from six games this season after finishing in eighth place last season.
Ten Hag managed to save his job and secure a two-year contract extension by winning the EFL Cup and FA Cup titles. However, the pressure is mounting as the Red Devils have suffered some heavy defeats this season, including 3-0 losses at home to both Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.
Dwight Yorke Expresses Frustration with Erik ten Hag’s Transfer Record
One of the main criticisms against Ten Hag is the disappointing performance of the players he has signed.
Despite significant financial investments in players like Antony, Rasmus Hojlund, Casemiro, and Sofyan Amrabat, their contributions have not lived up to expectations.
Yorke is particularly displeased with United’s transfer strategy under Ten Hag, stating that the club seems to have settled for mediocrity rather than aiming for the title.
“£600 million is a substantial amount, but based on the players we’ve acquired, it seems like we’re content with finishing fourth. We’re not assembling a squad to compete for the league,” Yorke remarked in an interview with DAZN.
“United needs to set realistic goals, and currently, the caliber of players we’re signing aren’t even regular starters for their national teams.
“There’s a lack of ambition at the club. I haven’t heard any statements from United indicating a desire to win the league. When the focus is solely on finishing in the top four, that becomes the players’ target as well.
“It’s apparent that we’re not aiming for the highest level of competition. If we continue signing players of this caliber, we’ll likely remain in fourth place. It’s disheartening to see how far we’ve regressed as a club, and the players are not living up to the hype.
“We’re settling for mediocrity instead of striving for excellence. It’s evident that we’re not pursuing the best players available in the market. If we’re not signing top-tier talent, it’s unrealistic to expect us to challenge for the title. Ten Hag’s preference for players he’s familiar with is a concerning trend.”
Top photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images
