Manchester United made a huge mistake when signing Andre Onana over the summer, a repeat of what they did when signing Antony.
Onana arrived at Old Trafford in a £43.8 million deal from Inter Milan in July.
The 27-year-old replaced David de Gea, who'd become a United legend during his 12-year stint in the Premier League.
It's been a tricky start to life in England for Onana. He made several mistakes as United crashed out of the Champions League in the group stages and has looked shaky when playing out from the back.
Advert
Onana helped Inter reach last season's Champions League final and looked strong despite the Serie A outfit's eventual 1-0 loss to Manchester City.
Many expected him to revamp how United played under Erik ten Hag, but it's not gone to plan yet.
According to ex-Tottenham, Aston Villa and Everton senior scout Bryan King, the Red Devils could've used the money they spent on Onana elsewhere, as Inter only expected a small bid.
He told the Inside Track podcast: "Ten Hag hasn’t given me any confidence that Man United are a side that can win the Premier League.
"That must come from the people he’s brought in. A friend of mine knows the sporting director at Inter Milan and they were prepared to let Onana go for about £6million.
"Then, all of a sudden, an email comes in offering over £50million for him.
"Of course, they’re not going to ask them to readjust their bid."
It's not the first time United have overpaid to secure one of Ten Hag's top targets.
Per The Athletic, United scouts had valued Antony at £25 million during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's time as manager.
When Ten Hag arrived in 2022, he told the club's hierarchy he needed another attacker and the decision to sign Antony was made.
United eventually cut off talks with Ajax and privately communicated they would not pay more than £60 million.
Later in the window, they buckled and ended up paying £86 million for the 23-year-old. It means he is United's second most expensive signing.
Antony is yet to score or register an assist this season and has lost his place to Alejandro Garnacho.
Ten Hag criticised Antony prior to Sunday's 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur, claiming his form has suffered due to off-field issues.
The Brazil international has been the subject of a police investigation after allegations of domestic abuse from three women.
Antony has not been arrested or charged and denies all allegations.
Ten Hag told reporters: "I think his off-field issues stop him playing.They have had an impact on him, definitely, so he has to deal with that.
"So he caused them, so he has to sort them out. We will give him all the support but he has to do better."
Topics: Manchester United, Andre Onana, Antony, Premier League
Daniel Marland