Man Utd 'privately accept' they took major transfer risk under Erik ten Hag this summer

Manchester United “privately accept” they took a major risk when signing Antony, according to a fresh report.

The Reds agreed to an eye-watering £103 million fee to reunite Antony with his former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag.

In making the Old Trafford move the Brazilian became the fourth most expensive player signed by a Premier League club, behind Jack Grealish, Romelu Lukaku and Paul Pogba.

Antony was quick to make an impression at United, netting against Arsenal on his debut.

However, he has since managed just four more goals, while his expressive play style and over-reliance on his left foot have drawn criticism from certain quarters. Indeed, if the fee had been lower, the scrutiny may not have been as intense.

The United hierarchy is said to be aware they paid over the odds for the winger. Indeed, his signature was a risk that could fail to pay off.

Man Utd took a risk in signing Antony

ESPN claim that United have accepted privately that they overpaid for Antony, but insist they had their reasons.

The publication states that the United hierarchy felt there were not many options in Antony’s position. For instance, Lisandro Martinez was reportedly one of five left-footed centre-backs they looked at.

However, only three forwards, including Antony, are said to have made the recruitment team’s shortlist.

Moreover, the United director of football John Murtough, along with the rest of the recruitment team, was allegedly impressed by Antony’s desire to move to Old Trafford.

Thirdly, United were said to be monitoring the transfer market and believed that several European clubs would be looking for a similar player in 2023, which would have hiked up Antony’s price further.

A United source told ESPN: "We've paid for the player we think he can become, not the one he is now."