Manchester United must find answer to £150million problem to deliver what Erik ten Hag wants

Manchester United and the transfer market hasn’t been a happy marriage in recent years.

The Reds have splashed roughly £400million since Erik ten Hag was appointed as manager, piling more pounds on what has been an expensive decade-long and disjointed search for success. From Angel Di Maria to Paul Pogba, you don’t have to search too hard to find substantial fees spent on players who delivered meagre returns.

Ten Hag, who in a positive first season delivered a first trophy in six years and the return of Champions League football, isn’t immune to the issue either. He was keen to sign Antony 18 months ago while he made a beeline for Mason Mount this summer.

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The pair cost nearly £150million and both have work to do to prove their worth. Antony has flattered to deceive and having failed to register a goal or an assist this season is no longer in the team.

"Antony is also a fighter, he has the confidence, he is brave and I am confident he will bring the performance that he is the right player for us," said Ten Hag earlier this season. He will hope the new year can bring a new start for the Brazilian.

Mount, meanwhile, has barely featured in an injury-hit campaign since arriving from Chelsea. His early season appearances didn’t offer much faith that his arrival will be money well spent even if it is far too early to judge his United impact. The England international has work to do to win his place back and find a position in which he can thrive in United’s midfield. He was touted by Ten Hag as a 'very important player' on arrival, a view the Dutchman still