Andy Cole has compared Man United's transfer spending to shopping at 'Primark and Zara' as the club struggle to get a return on significant investment in the squad.
Cole, who scored 121 goals in 275 games for Man United, highlighted the club spending £85.5m on Antony as an example.
The Brazilian winger has underwhelmed since joining the club from Ajax in the summer of 2022.
Antony has yet to provide a goal or assist in 12 matches for the club this season.
Cole recently claimed the Brazilian would drive him 'absolutely mad' if he were still a striker at the club, insisting he would never receive the ball from Antony.
Speaking to Betfred, Cole highlighted how Brighton have received a greater return on their investment in Kaoru Mitoma, despite paying a lower price.
'I sometimes have to ask myself what Antony's strengths are? He doesn't take players on, he doesn't create chances and he doesn't score goals. So what are his strengths?' Cole said.
'We paid a massive amount of money for him. When you look at a club like Brighton who signed [Kaoru] Mitoma for £2.7 million, then you have to ask what market are Manchester United shopping in when Brighton pays that for Mitoma and we end up paying £86 million for Antony?
'Are we not shopping in the same market? It's like Primark and Zara; you think by paying more to shop at Zara, the quality will be better, but it turns out to be the same as Primark, so you end up paying more for the same thing.
'I look at the transfers we've made over the last 10 years and we've spent a hell of a lot of money on players that other clubs would have paid less for, so is it a case of Manchester United tax? We can't continue doing that.'
United have spent a whopping £1.4billion on transfers since Sir Alex Ferguson left his role as manager and retired a decade ago.
Current incumbent Ten Hag has spent almost £400m since joining the club last summer.
United are currently sixth in the Premier League, seven points behind leaders and near neighbours Manchester City.
Reports have circulated Sir Jim Ratcliffe is ready to sell £194m worth of talent in January to raise funds at the club, after the British billionaire's investment into the club is confirmed.
Antony is reportedly among the players who could be sold by Man United, as well as Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial.