Jamie Carragher uses famous Liverpool transfer to back-up Man Utd theory on Erik ten Hag

Jamie Carragher has hit out at Manchester United’s decision to hand Erik ten Hag full power in the transfer window (Image: Sky Sports)

Jamie Carragher has attacked Manchester United’s management for giving Erik ten Hag complete control over the transfer market, citing a specific deal to support his argument.

Jamie Carragher says managers should not have total control over transfers – highlighting Liverpool’s decision to ignore Jurgen Klopp’s wishes and sign Mohamed Salah as a reason why.

When Julian Brandt was a star at Bayer Leverkusen in 2017, Klopp pushed for a move, but the German rejected the Reds. After that, Anfield’s management pushed through a deal for Salah, who is now considered a modern-day legend.

His goals have fueled Klopp’s team to victories in the FA Cup, League Cup, Premier League, Champions League, and Club World Cup. Furthermore, Carragher thinks that managers aren’t always the best judges, as evidenced by Klopp’s early hesitation to sign the Egyptian.

His remarks come at a time when Manchester United is under fire for permitting Erik ten Hag to embark on a foolish transfer spree. Furthermore, Carragher thinks that United erred in granting the Dutchman such authority, as demonstrated by the Salah deal.

“Mohamed Salah was an intriguing addition when he first arrived, and Jürgen Klopp is candid about this. Carragher said on the Stick to Football podcast, “He wanted Julian Brandt, not to sign him.”

“The people behind the scenes at Liverpool were still there when Salah went to Roma, and they were very insistent that they had to sign this player. Liverpool had attempted to sign Salah prior to him joining Chelsea.

“You see what Mohamed Salah has accomplished, but things very easily could have turned out differently. Although I disagree that managers should purchase every player, I also think that a manager shouldn’t be forced to accept a player.

Carragher highlighted Jurgen Klopp’s reluctance to sign Mohamed Salah as an example of why managers should not be involved in transfer decisions ( Image: Getty Images)

“I don’t think a manager should just be able to do what he wants, you look at Manchester United and it’s worrying, it feels as if he’s [Erik ten Hag] just bought every player he knows.”

Carragher’s analysis is in line with that of Gary Neville, the legend of United. The former Red Devils captain has stated unequivocally that it was a grave mistake to give Ten Hag carte blanche during the transfer window.

“That £85 million on Antony is the one that will stick out on Erik ten Hag.” He is not even close to that level. However, Neville told Sky Sports that even £70 million for Hojlund, £55 million for Mount, and £60 million for Casemiro on a five-year contract is a lot of money.

You could start viewing a lot of deals with a pessimistic view. I understand the point about managers when it comes to recruitment, but those days of Sir Alex Ferguson traveling to watch other players are long gone. They would have functioned similarly to the head of recruitment, academy, and scouting.

“Sir Alex used to attend the academy in the morning and the first-team match in the afternoon, watching games at night. These days, these clubs employ coaches who only stay for a year or two before leaving without considering whether they need to develop these players.

“Their only concern is leading the team. It is impossible that Antony’s recruitment department at Manchester United watched him and signed him for £85 million. Ten Hag appears to have been given the go-ahead to overrule him. The proprietors must refuse.