Manchester United are no strangers to controversy, criticism, and questions about the direction of their transfer policy. Over the years, the Red Devils have spent extraordinary sums of money on players who were supposed to become the spine of a new dynasty, only for those investments to backfire in dramatic fashion. From Ángel Di María and Alexis Sánchez to Harry Maguire and Antony, the list of failed transfers has become a painful symbol of the club’s decline since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

But now, one of football’s greatest ever strikers, Marco van Basten, has launched a brutal critique of United’s latest signing under manager Rúben Amorim, branding the player “another idiotic transfer” and warning that the club is “more likely to be relegated than to challenge for trophies” if things don’t change. His words have sent shockwaves across the football world and left United fans reeling.

Van Basten’s Brutal Assessment

Speaking to Dutch media, van Basten did not hold back. In his words:

“He’s just another idiotic signing like Antony. Against Grimsby Town, he looked totally clueless. Overall, the club is more likely to be relegated if something is not done to fix the mess they are in.”

The comparison to Antony is particularly stinging, considering the Brazilian winger has become a symbol of United’s wasteful transfer spending. Signed for over £80 million from Ajax in 2022, Antony has struggled to justify his price tag, scoring just a handful of goals and often being criticized for poor decision-making, lack of end product, and questionable attitude. For van Basten to place the new arrival in the same category is nothing short of damning.

Even more concerning is van Basten’s reference to United’s humiliating performance against Grimsby Town, a lower-league opponent who managed to expose United’s tactical weaknesses and the new signing’s lack of impact. The Dutch legend’s words will sting deeply for Amorim, who arrived at Old Trafford with the reputation of being one of Europe’s most promising coaches.

A Pattern of Mismanagement

To understand why van Basten’s words carry so much weight, it’s important to see the bigger picture. Manchester United have become infamous for poor recruitment. In the last decade, they’ve spent more than £1.5 billion on transfers, yet the return has been inconsistent at best. For every Bruno Fernandes or Lisandro Martínez, there seems to be a Donny van de Beek, Romelu Lukaku, or Jadon Sancho who never fully lived up to expectations.

Fans and pundits alike have grown frustrated with what they see as a scattergun transfer approach — signing players without a clear plan or vision. Van Basten’s criticism reflects the growing belief that United are once again repeating the same mistakes under Amorim’s tenure, prioritizing quick fixes over long-term solutions.

United Fans Split

The reaction among Manchester United supporters has been mixed, but a clear sense of frustration is evident. Some agree with van Basten, arguing that the club has fallen into a vicious cycle of hype, overspending, and disappointment. For them, this latest signing is yet another chapter in a decade-long saga of wasted resources.

Others, however, have urged patience, pointing out that it is still far too early to judge the player. They argue that Amorim must be given time to develop his squad and that writing off a new arrival after one poor performance is unfair.

One fan posted online: “It feels like déjà vu. We were told Antony was the missing piece, now this guy is supposed to save us. We need consistency, not another overpriced gamble.”

Another countered: “Van Basten is a legend, but this is harsh. Let the player settle before burying him. United fans need to back him, not break him.”

The Amorim Factor

For manager Rúben Amorim, van Basten’s remarks represent a huge test of character. The Portuguese coach was appointed to bring fresh ideas, discipline, and attacking flair to Old Trafford after Erik ten Hag’s turbulent reign ended in disappointment. But Amorim’s first transfer window has already placed him under intense scrutiny.

Reports suggest that Amorim personally pushed for the new signing, believing the player’s skillset would bring balance to his attacking system. To have van Basten publicly dismiss his judgment as “idiotic” is a direct challenge not only to the player but to the manager’s credibility. If Amorim fails to turn things around quickly, this episode could haunt him for months to come.

A Club at a Crossroads

Manchester United’s decline since their last Premier League title in 2013 has been well-documented, but what is striking about van Basten’s comments is the sheer severity of his warning. To suggest that United are closer to relegation than trophies may seem like hyperbole, yet it underlines just how far the club has fallen in the eyes of neutral observers.

For decades, United were the standard-bearers of English football, combining financial power with smart management and a winning culture. Today, they are a club searching desperately for identity, lurching from one crisis to the next.

Conclusion: Harsh Truth or Overreaction?

Marco van Basten’s words have divided opinion. On one hand, his brutal honesty reflects the frustration of many who have watched Manchester United squander their potential season after season. On the other, critics argue that writing off a player so quickly is unfair and that van Basten’s remarks are more about his disdain for United’s transfer strategy than the individual himself.

What cannot be denied, however, is that his comments have put enormous pressure on both the new signing and Rúben Amorim. The next few months will be crucial: if the player adapts and proves himself, van Basten’s remarks will be remembered as premature. But if the struggles continue, this outburst may be seen as prophetic — a warning that United ignored at their peril.