Ian Wright left ‘baffled’ by Erik ten Hag’s decision to ignore two obvious Man United signings

Ian Wright has admitted he is ‘baffled’ by Erik ten Hag’s decision to sign Antony at Manchester United over two of his former Ajax teammates.

Antony, 23, was brought in at Old Trafford in the summer of 2022 for around £86 million and has since failed to live up to that price tag – or anywhere near it.

Across the year of 2023, he made 51 appearances for United – the third-most of any player. Yet, he only scored five goals in that period, and only one of those came in the Premier League.

The Brazilian came for big money and has underperformed whilst two of his former Ajax teammates have excelled since moving to West Ham.

Mohammed Kudus and Edson Álvarez moved to The Hammers in the summer for around £70 million as a package deal – less than their ex-teammate.

They have both been crucial to David Moyes’ side having an excellent start to the season. They sit above United in the Premier League – just six points away from the top four – and topped their Europa League group.

Speaking on Premier League Productions, Ian Wright could not contain his shock at the transfer business under Ten Hag.. “The constant stick they are beating him (Ten Hag with), Alvarez and Kudus at West Ham,” he explained.

“Two players he had himself and it’s baffling to me that you sign Antony over Kudus. I don’t think we have needed to see too many games where you look at Kudus’ output to Antony’s output and think: ‘How can you choose this guy over this guy?’ When this guy is definitely doing a lot more.

“The same with Alvarez. Those are the signings you look back on that Ten Hag has made and think: ‘What is going on there?’ It just doesn’t seem right to me.”

Kudus has scored 10 goals so far this season, with one of those coming in West Ham’s 2-0 win over United, whilst Antony is yet to open his account for the season.