Erik ten Hag's 16 signings at Man Utd ranked from best to worst following Man City defeat

Since his appointment last summer, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has spent around £400 million on signings.

The 53-year-old former Ajax boss splashed over £200 million – the most United have ever spent on signings in a single window – during his first summer window at Old Trafford.

He made six additions in total, including the much-anticipated £88.3 million arrival of Antony from Ajax.

Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Tyrell Malacia and Martin Dubravka were also seen as useful first team signings, despite the record-amount spent.

United would go on to make three mid-season additions to the squad in January, with Jack Butland, Wout Weghorst and Marcel Sabitzer making six-month loan moves to Old Trafford.

And to his credit, Ten Hag managed to secure a third-place finish in his first season; not to mention the club's first piece of silverware in six years.

But following a productive campaign last season, United have struggled in the opening months of the 2023/24 campaign.

After spending a further £200 million this summer on several more signings, including Andre Onana, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund, Ten Hag is under pressure following their latest 3-0 defeat to Manchester City.

So where do all of his signings rank from best to worst? Based on a number of factors, including price paid, performances on the pitch and potential, here is the list in full.

BEST: Lisandro Martinez – £55.3m

There were concerns over his height, price tag and ability when he first joined, but the Argentine defender has proved his doubters wrong and was one of United's standout performers last season. The club have been criticised for bringing in older, more experienced players of late but at 25, Martinez's best years are still ahead of him. A great signing.

2nd: Christian Eriksen – Free

Considering the sheer amount spent, Eriksen's arrival on a free should be applauded. He notched two goals and 10 assists for United last season and remains an important player in Ten Hag's system. The 31-year-old tends to tire towards the end of games but often provides a much-needed boost in midfield with his creative edge.

3rd: Casemiro – £70m

The Brazilian has been criticised by many this season, with many commenting on his declining form. Jamie Carragher recently said "his legs have gone" but nobody can downplay Casemiro's importance last season. Injuries permitting, he has the ability to shine again alongside Sofyan Amrabat. All things considered, 11 goals in 62 games from midfield is impressive.

4th: Rasmus Hojlund – £72m

At the time of writing, Hojlund has failed to score a Premier League goal but the Dane is showing glimpses of brilliance. The 20-year-old must polish certain parts of his overall game but the potential is there. Ten Hag must address the pressure on his shoulders to perform. Another striker needed.

Image credit: Getty

5th: Andre Onana – £47.2m

After a disastrous start to his United career, Onana is showing signs of promise in recent weeks. Ten Hag recently said the goalkeeper has to 'step up' after a difficult start but his distribution is improving game-on-game. Saved a penalty in the Champions League against Galatasaray and made a number of stops vs Man City. Confidence is growing.

6th: Mason Mount – £60m

So far this season, Mason Mount has played in six positions under Erik ten Hag. So what's the plan? United's imbalanced midfield has been a real talking point this season but at times, Mount has shown glimpses of why he was Ten Hag's primary target. Needs more minutes in his preferred position and should flourish.

7th: Sofyan Amrabat - Loan [£8.5m]

Another player who has played out of position this season because of injuries. Amrabat turned down "every club that came calling" in order to sign for United but he's yet to make an impact at Old Trafford. Needs more first-team minutes but can see him being a force alongside Casemiro when at full fitness.

8th: Antony – £88.3m

The discussion around Antony has only intensified this season. He remains Erik ten Hag's most expensive purchase but the Brazilian continues to underwhelm on the wing. An inconsistent performer who has more yellow cards (7) than goal contributions (6) in his Premier League career. One dimensional and needs to work on his weaker right foot.

You can see the rest of our list below:

9th: Marcel Sabitzer – Loan

10th: Tyrell Malacia – £14.7m

11th: Jonny Evans – Free

12th: Sergio Reguilon – Loan

13th: Wout Weghorst – Loan

14th: Atlay Bayindir – £4.3m

15th: Martin Dubravka – Loan

16th: Jack Butland – Loan