I dont have the energy to keep going in circles with you, so il just reply to this bit. As I've already mentioned my reference is from a more up to date Athletic deep dive in Dec 2023 which states that there was no real dependency on a scouting database, despite one being in existence. It also said that Murtough only recently collated a full dossier on targets. No shadow targets were actually drawn up to at least serve as a basis.
I've acknowledged Pulisic may have been coined, but my overarching point is that the structure is borderline bollocks, if that's what they can fall on as an alternative after months of compiling their own names.
I see you struggle with admitting you're wrong. It's simple, you are wrong, and these were made up:
Klopp has data scientists and scouts to help with his targets and Ten Hag has feck all
they had nothing for the winger option
He had no support on any alternative from the club.
Other posters have repeatedly pointed out - all things considered - the simpler and more likely option; that out of the shortlisted targets the manager preferred Antony, which the club agreed with/to.
I think you are very guilty of failing to acknowledge that. You seem to ignore that Ten hag himself was hesitant to go for Antony, that the decision to fall on him ended up being unanimous, that the second choice was ten hag name anyway, and that there was no one at the club being responsible to take a holistic view at squad building.
I don't think I ever broached these things because they weren't what I was discussing nor do they change what I was arguing.
I read your article stating Ten Hag had reservations about returning to Ajax. Same article later stated he
undoubtedly wanted Antony. Furthermore, there are two other instances in which The Athletic say he was
eager to sign him, and
pushed for a swift reunion with Antony. With Ten Hag's input being described as "decisive". Evidently, it has to be agreed with and by the club. I also don't know where you got the "
Gakpo was a Ten Hag name anyway" thing from. You said "
Gakpo in his own interviews has stated he has had close conversations with the manager who knew him well" seemingly as the basis for that. I don't know how you surmised so much from so little. From recollection we were linked with Gakpo prior to Ten Hag being appointed - I mean, Antony himself was reportedly already in a three man shortlist before Ten Hag was appointed. Either way - it doesn't change what I was arguing.
I think processes at United can be criticised without outright fabrications that place the manager in favourable lighting, such as; "
Klopp as data scientists and scouts, Ten Hag has feck all" and "
the club present no options/alternative to/for Antony".