In a dramatic turn of events at Old Trafford, two of Manchester United’s most criticized signings under Erik ten Hag are reportedly on their way out — and not a moment too soon, according to fans and insiders alike. The players, who have become symbols of misjudged recruitment and underwhelming performances, are said to be nearing exits as negotiations with their prospective clubs are progressing smoothly.

While the club has not officially confirmed the names, multiple sources suggest the players in question are Antony and Wout Weghorst, both of whom arrived amid considerable fanfare but failed to live up to the expectations.

High Hopes, Hard Landings

Antony, brought in for a staggering £85 million from Ajax, was expected to be the game-changer on the right wing. Instead, he became a lightning rod for criticism, with many accusing him of being one-dimensional, lacking end product, and failing to adapt to the pace and physicality of the Premier League.

Weghorst, on the other hand, was signed on loan in what many viewed as a panic move in January 2023. Though his work ethic was praised, his output — just two goals in over 30 appearances — painted the picture of a striker completely out of depth at the top level.

Their time at United has not just been underwhelming on the pitch. According to reports from The Athletic and Daily Mail, both players had also begun to frustrate members of the dressing room and coaching staff with their attitude and lack of impact during key moments.

Amorim’s Dressing Room Ultimatum

The final straw appears to have come not from Ten Hag himself, but from Rúben Amorim, the Sporting CP boss heavily linked with taking over the Manchester United managerial role. Amorim, who was invited to Carrington for informal talks and training ground observations last month, reportedly gave the underperforming duo a “dressing down” that left the room stunned.

According to a source close to the club:
“Amorim didn’t hold back. He laid it out for them — that they weren’t pulling their weight, that their attitude was hurting the group. It was the kind of honesty the squad hadn’t heard in a while. And strangely, it seemed to energize the others.”

While Amorim has not yet been officially appointed, insiders claim his influence is already being felt behind the scenes as Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS era begins to reshape the footballing culture at the club.

Smooth Departures on the Horizon

Negotiations are believed to be in an advanced stage. Antony has reportedly drawn interest from Saudi Pro League clubs, where United could recoup a portion of his original fee, while Weghorst is set for a permanent move back to the Bundesliga or Eredivisie.

Both players are expected to be off the wage bill by the end of June, signaling a clear-out many fans believe is long overdue.

A New Era Dawns?

Whether Amorim takes over the managerial reins or not, the message is clear: underperformance will no longer be tolerated, and reputations mean nothing if not backed by results on the pitch. The exits of Antony and Weghorst may only be the beginning of a wider purge aimed at restoring the pride, hunger, and standards once synonymous with Manchester United.

As one club insider reportedly put it:
“It’s no longer about who cost what. It’s about who’s helping the team win. And if you’re not? You’re out.”

United fans will be watching closely — and perhaps, for the first time in a while, with a cautious sense of hope.