“Another Foolish Signing Like Antony” – Van Basten Criticizes Manchester United Amid Ruben Amorim Speculation
Manchester United’s troubled season has taken another blow, not from a poor performance on the pitch, but from harsh words by Dutch football legend Marco van Basten. In a fiery critique, van Basten slammed the club’s recent choices in management and transfers, calling them a string of “foolish signings” and suggesting that interest in Ruben Amorim is just the latest example of the club’s deeper problems.
Van Basten, never one to mince words, compared Amorim to Antony, a United signing he views as a major flop. “He’s just another dumb signing like Antony,” van Basten stated during a Dutch broadcast, also criticizing the team’s performance in a recent loss to Newcastle. He warned that without serious changes, United could face the unthinkable—relegation.
His blunt remarks have sparked debate among fans and pundits. While some argue his comments are too extreme, others feel he’s voicing the growing frustration many supporters share after years of inconsistent form, poor recruitment, and managerial instability.
The criticism comes as United are reportedly eyeing Ruben Amorim, the Sporting CP manager known for developing young talent and tactical savvy. Despite Amorim’s growing reputation, van Basten questioned whether he has what it takes to handle the pressures of managing a massive, crisis-ridden club like United. He specifically called out Amorim’s tactical approach, citing the team’s recent lackluster showing against Newcastle as evidence of strategic disarray.
Van Basten’s comments have also reignited scrutiny of United’s overall recruitment strategy. Under Erik ten Hag, who initially brought optimism to the fanbase, the club has spent big on players like Antony, Mason Mount, and Rasmus Højlund—with little to show for it. Critics argue that these signings reflect a serious disconnect between the club’s transfer decisions and on-field performance.
Reactions online have been mixed. Some believe van Basten’s comparison between a manager and a player signing is unfair, while others feel he’s voicing truths fans have grown tired of repeating: that the club is drifting without clear leadership or vision.
What makes his comments especially stinging is the timing. United are struggling in the league, battling injuries, facing questions about Ten Hag’s future, and dealing with uncertainty around INEOS’s influence on the club’s direction. Once a dominant force in English football, the club now appears to be losing its identity and purpose.
Whether or not Amorim is eventually appointed, van Basten’s scathing remarks have stirred an important conversation—one that Manchester United’s leadership must take seriously. If the club hopes to regain its former stature, it must rebuild its foundation. Otherwise, van Basten’s grim warning about relegation may no longer seem far-fetched.
