Two of Man United’s ‘worst ever signings’ were down to Erik ten Hag, claims Gary Neville

Gary Neville has issued a scathing assessment of Erik ten Hag's transfer decisions, singling out the acquisition of Antony and Casemiro as "two of the worst signings in Manchester United's history".

The club announced on Monday (October 28) that Ten Hag had been dismissed following a dismal start to the season, which finds the team languishing in 14th place in the Premier League.

In the wake of his departure, Ruud van Nistelrooy has stepped in as interim manager. Meanwhile, the Old Trafford outfit have agreed a deal in principle with Ruben Amorim of Sporting Lisbon, who has emerged as their prime candidate for the managerial role.

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Ten Hag's time with United, lasting over two years, included notable triumphs such as winning the EFL Cup and FA Cup, yet his approach to recruiting several players from his time at Ajax has drawn considerable criticism.

Neville specifically condemned the high-profile signings of Antony and Casemiro; the former came with an eye-watering price tag of £86million including add-ons, while the latter joined for a reported sum of £60million. However, both have so far failed to impress in Manchester, reports the Mirror.

Reflecting on Ten Hag's tenure and his dismissal, Neville commented: "The performances have been really poor this season, the results have been shocking, the league position is terrible," the ex-United captain said on the podcast It's Called Soccer.

"His legacy is definitely winning two trophies in two seasons through a very difficult point. The recruitment to be fair has been appalling for ten years and he's been a victim of that himself. I think he oversaw two of the worst transfers Manchester United will ever have made in the signings of Casemiro and Antony.

"They were signed for £140-150m in a panic after the Brentford and Brighton losses. I hope I'm wrong, I hope Casemiro can do a great job for the club for four or five years and I hope Antony comes good.

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"But those signings are why United have had to go back into the transfer market and sign [Manuel] Ugarte and other players. That was the ultimate in poor management from those above Erik ten Hag. That should have been one big fat no when those two players became available for those prices and those salaries."

Van Nistelrooy's debut as interim boss will see him at the helm at Old Trafford hosting Leicester City on Wednesday (October 30) in their EFL Cup fourth round showdown.