Man Utd’s Worst Glazer-Era Signings: Antony, Sancho & More

Manchester United’s worst signings list is a stark reminder of the Glazer era’s turbulent transfer policies. As the Glazer family’s 18-year reign over football operations at Old Trafford gives way to Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS’ partial takeover, fans reflect on the costly mistakes that marked an era filled with controversy, debt, and questionable decisions.

Manchester United’s Glazer Era: A Troubled Legacy

When the Glazers acquired Manchester United in 2005, they did so with a controversial leveraged buyout, saddling the once debt-free club with massive financial burdens. Critics have long accused the family of prioritizing profit over footballing progress, using United’s global allure to fund ventures far from Manchester. Despite the club turning over more than £2 billion on player acquisitions since 2005, many investments failed to deliver the expected on-field success.

Antony and Sancho: Big Price Tags, Little Impact

Among Manchester United’s worst signings under the Glazers, Antony stands out. The Brazilian winger joined from Ajax for a staggering £86 million, but has struggled to justify his fee, often lacking end product and consistency. Similarly, Jadon Sancho arrived with sky-high expectations and a £73 million price tag. Yet, inconsistency, injuries, and off-field issues have plagued his tenure, making him another costly disappointment.

Other High-Profile Flops

The post-Ferguson years have seen a string of expensive misfires. Angel Di Maria, arriving for a British-record £59.7 million in 2014, lasted just one season before departing, his talent stifled by managerial instability and adaptation issues. Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez, brought in with great fanfare, failed to become the attacking icons the club desperately needed.

Further back, Memphis Depay was hailed as a future star but never settled, and Morgan Schneiderlin couldn’t reproduce his Southampton form at a higher level. Defenders like Matteo Darmian and Eric Bailly also underwhelmed, becoming symbols of the club’s scattergun recruitment strategy.

The Glazer Approach to Transfers

Manchester United’s worst signings under Glazer ownership often reflect a strategy lacking long-term vision. The club regularly paid over the odds for players who did not fit the tactical demands or the culture of the team. Short-termism and a focus on marquee signings to placate fans often resulted in underwhelming performances and financial losses.

Despite periods of investment—such as the £210 million splurge in the 2022 summer transfer window—the approach rarely yielded sustained success. Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, United’s major trophies have dried up, and the gulf between expenditure and achievement has widened.

Financial Impact and Fan Discontent

The Glazers’ transfer policy has left Manchester United both financially strained and sporting underachievers. High wage bills, deadwood contracts, and the absence of a clear football philosophy contributed to consistent underperformance. Fans, frustrated by lack of progress on and off the pitch, protested the ownership throughout the era, culminating in increased pressure for change.

Mixed Success: Not Every Big Signing Flopped

While the list of Manchester United’s worst signings during the Glazer era is lengthy, not all high-profile arrivals failed. The club did secure some silverware, with five Premier League titles and a Champions League win early in the Glazers’ tenure. Signings like Robin van Persie and Bruno Fernandes provided moments of hope, but these successes were exceptions rather than the rule.

Transition and Hope for the Future

The arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS signals a new chapter for the Red Devils. Supporters hope that Manchester United’s worst signings will become a thing of the past as the club adopts a more strategic, football-driven approach. The lessons learned under the Glazers—particularly the need for a clear recruitment philosophy—must guide United’s future.

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Opinion: Time for Smarter Investments

In my view, Manchester United’s worst signings of the Glazer era are not just a result of individual player failures but stem from a lack of cohesive strategy at the top. With new ownership, the time is ripe for smarter investments, careful scouting, and a genuine commitment to building a squad that fits the club’s storied traditions. United fans deserve a club that learns from its mistakes and builds for sustainable success.