BREAKING NEWS: “He’s just another idiotic signing like Anthony. He was totally clueless against Ipswich Town. Overall the club is more likely to be relegated if something is not done to fix the sh*t they are in currently” – Dutch football legend Marco van Basten has harshly criticized Manchester United’s decision to sign a player he deems “idiotic” in a recent critique of Ruben Amorim.

Manuel Ugarte, one of Manchester United’s marquee signings this summer, is already under scrutiny as Erik ten Hag’s transfer strategy faces growing criticism. The Uruguayan midfielder, brought in from Paris Saint-Germain for €50 million (£42.3m) to strengthen the team’s midfield, struggled to make an impact in United’s recent defeat to Tottenham at Old Trafford.

Dutch football icon Marco van Basten didn’t hold back in his assessment of Ugarte and Ten Hag’s recruitment policy. On Ziggo Sport, Van Basten called United’s transfer spending under Ten Hag “idiotic,” questioning the decision to invest heavily in players like Ugarte. “I saw Ugarte, a €50 million signing, walking around at Manchester United. How is this guy even there? It’s absurd how much Ten Hag has spent on players who aren’t up to the mark,” Van Basten stated.

Ugarte’s arrival came with high expectations, given his solid tackling stats from his brief stint at PSG, and he was previously a target for Chelsea. However, his inability to prevent Tottenham from dominating midfield highlighted ongoing issues with United’s cohesion and tactics.

Former Premier League player Robbie Earle offered a more sympathetic view, suggesting Ugarte is struggling because of the chaotic state of the team. Speaking to NBC, Earle noted, “I felt sorry for Ugarte. He joined as a promising midfielder, likely to partner Kobbie Mainoo, but instead finds himself in a team without a clear identity or direction. It’s hard to see what they’re trying to achieve.”

Van Basten also criticized the overall quality of United’s squad, claiming the team lacks standout leaders. “Can you name one world-class player at Manchester United? Rashford is out of form. Bruno Fernandes is good, and Onana is a solid goalkeeper, but that’s about it. Casemiro’s best days are behind him, and Garnacho is decent, but there’s no one who truly steps up to lead,” he said.

The spotlight on Ugarte and Ten Hag comes as United endure a poor start to the season, collecting only seven points from their first six matches. Van Basten’s harsh critique reflects broader concerns about United’s trajectory under Ten Hag, whose recruitment decisions have come under fire.

While figures like Earle suggest systemic issues are the real problem, Van Basten’s comments add to the mounting pressure on the Dutch manager. If Ten Hag cannot stabilize the team soon, questions over his long-term vision and United’s transfer strategy are likely to intensify.