Arsenal legend Ian Wright has suggested that Manchester United and Erik ten Hag made a mistake by not signing West Ham United duo Mohammed Kudus and Edson Alvarez in the 2023-24 summer transfer window. Wright also believes Kudus is better than Antony and is unsure why Ten Hag opted for the Brazilian instead of the Ghanaian.
Wright Question’s Manchester United and Ten Hag’s transfer strategy
Manchester United has not lived up to expectations in the 2023-24 season. They have so far lost nine of their 20 Premier League games, dropping to seventh place in the standings. They also finished fourth in their UEFA Champions League group and disappointingly left Europe with their worst points total (4).
Most of his big-ticket purchases have fallen through, causing Manchester United’s transfer strategy to come under fire. Wright has become the latest pundit to question United’s recent decisions in the transfer market, saying he does not understand why Ten Hag failed to sign Alvarez and Kudus despite coaching them both at Ajax.
Speaking to Premier League Productions on Monday (January 1), the Englishman said:
“With the constant stick they are beating him (Ten Hag), with Álvarez and Kudus at West Ham.
“I had two players and I find it baffling that you hire Antony instead of Kudus. I don’t think we’ve needed to see too many games where you look at Kudus’ production and Antony’s production and then think ‘how can you pick this guy over this one?’ When this guy is definitely doing a lot more.’ The same with Álvarez.”
Wright concluded by adding:
“Those are the signings that you remember ten Hag made and think ‘what’s going on there?’ “It just doesn’t seem right to me.”
How have Álvarez and Kudus fared this season?
Both Alvarez and Kudus have been at the top of their game in the 2023-24 Premier League season. Alvarez, who plays as a defensive midfielder for David Moyes’ West Ham United, has frustrated opposition attackers time and time again, recording 33 tackles, 17 interceptions and 44 clearances in 16 league games.
Meanwhile, Kudus has impressed viewers with his dazzling footwork, his creativity and his ability to be in the right place at the right time. In 16 EPL appearances, Kudus scored six goals, claimed one assist, created two big chances and launched 20 accurate long balls. Manchester United’s Antony, on the other hand, is yet to score or assist in the Premier League in 2023-24.
