Manchester United’s shambolic transfer plan for the last FIVE years has been exposed.

Forensic research of United’s market performance, compiled by Dutch experts for SunSport, reveals how the Old Trafford club squandered hundreds of millions of pounds.

Antony has been a disappointment since his £85.5 million transfer from Ajax.

Rasmus Hojlund’s worth has also decreased since joining Manchester United last summer.

Manchester United and Chelsea are the only two of the Big Six that have seen negative value appreciation over the last five years.

In a devastating blow to Erik ten Hag’s spending program, BEBR shows that things have gotten WORSE during the Dutchman’s two-year reign.

And as Ten Hag prepares for what appears to be his final game as Manchester United manager at Wembley on Saturday, the contrast with Manchester City’s focused spending triumphs becomes evident.

BEBR has examined all of the transactions made by both Manchester clubs since the start of the 2019-20 season, as well as the players’ actual value.

While United and City spent over £800 million combined, the outcomes – both on and off the pitch – have been dramatically different.

United’s Carabao Cup victory last season was their sole prize, while City under Pep Guardiola won four consecutive Premier League titles, the Champions League, Club World Cup, three FA Cups, and the League Cup thrice.

However, the quality of City’s recruitment when compared to United’s is very impressive.

According to Dutch experts, United spent £814.7 million on their current players, but that squad is currently worth £580 million, a loss of £234.7 million.

In contrast, City’s £844.6 million spend has resulted in a squad worth £1.155 billion, up £310.4 million.

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Over the last two seasons, Manchester United’s signings have lost £80 million in value.

Erling Haaland’s worth has improved after landing at the Etihad.

Manuel Akanji, another Manchester City player, has considerably improved in value.

BEBR managing director Marije Haeck explained: “Our database of financial, commercial, and performance data is used in conjunction with a team of over 50 scientists to provide a correct value of players.

“Compared to the initial purchase price of these players, United has the largest ‘value depreciation’ out of the traditional Big Six, while City has the second highest ‘value appreciation’ – just behind Arsenal’s £325m.”

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As bad as those numbers are, the Ten Hag period has brought a drive to transfer dealings.

Over the last two seasons, United have spent £405.4 million, with more than £150 million going to Rasmus Hojlund and Antony alone.

These eight players are now worth £324.52 million, down about £81 million.

City’s £394.3 million investment in 10 players throughout the same period is now worth £418.615 million, a £24.3 million profit.

It also follows a string of United purchases of players whose values have skyrocketed.

Haeck continued, “Over the past five seasons, United have overpaid roughly £100 million in total, based on the calculated fair transfer value of players at the time of transfer.”

“Conversely, City has underpaid by almost £3 million.

“Notable overpayments (in absolute terms) by United include Antony (£31 million), Harry Maguire (£16 million), and Lisandro Martinez (£14 million), whereas this season Hojlund and Mason Mount have lost £22 million combined.

“City did overpay for Jack Grealish (£22m), Kalvin Phillips (£10m) and Josko Gvardiol (£9m) but good deals where they underpaid include Erling Haaland (£44m, Rodri (£6.5m) and Julian Alvarez (£7m).”

Manchester City’s additions have increased in value over the last two seasons.