Alan Shearer names the Manchester United transfer that raises questions amid takeover

Alan Shearer believes Erik ten Hag's decision to sign Antony has led to the manager's judgement being questioned amid Sir Jim Ratcliffe's arrival.

Antony was United's marquee signing during Ten Hag's first transfer window. With options needed on the flanks, the Dutchman chose to trust a player he had nurtured at Ajax to bring fresh blood into the squad.

However, the Brazilian's bright start soon fizzled out and this season he has yet to register a single goal or assist in 19 appearances. Such a signing may not be feasible for much longer after Ratcliffe's arrival on Christmas Eve. Once ratified by the Premier League, the INEOS founder will be in charge of football operations at United including transfers.

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According to Shearer, the damage to Ten Hag's reputation with the new investors may have already been tarnished due to his decision to sign Antony.

Speaking to The Athletic he said: "Whatever the circumstances, managers live or die by their decisions, but winning reinforces them. When there is uncertainty at the top, authority can only be undermined.

"Erik ten Hag has made some big calls at Old Trafford, from stripping Harry Maguire of the captaincy to banishing Jadon Sancho from his squad, but all players have friends and allies in the dressing room, so by upsetting one or two, you actually risk alienating many more.

"When it gets to the point where you don’t trust the club to get it right, it chips away at your conviction. It’s probably harsh to pick out individual players, but Manchester United paid £82m to sign Antony from Ajax, where he’d played under Ten Hag, and he doesn’t look anywhere