“Enough is enough, I can’t continue to cover him so from now on he is off the team and he’s sitting on bench till the next transfer window” – Erik ten Hag has reached a decision, and Manchester United are actively seeking to remove their £200k-per-week player from the wage bill as quickly as possible.

Manchester United were reportedly open to listening to offers for Antony during the summer transfer window, signaling the club’s frustration with the Brazilian winger’s underperformance since his high-profile move to Old Trafford. Despite their willingness to part ways, no substantial bids were made, meaning Antony remains in Manchester despite his underwhelming spell at the club. Antony, who joined from Ajax with high expectations, has struggled to live up to the early promise surrounding his signing.

A key transfer target for Erik ten Hag in 2022, Antony arrived with an £86 million price tag, leading fans to believe he would add creativity and excitement to United’s attack. However, his performances have been inconsistent, leaving supporters worried about his ability to thrive in the Premier League.

According to Football Insider, Manchester United are now considering alternative ways to handle Antony’s situation, including a potential loan move during the January transfer window, with an option to buy. However, any club looking to sign him on loan would likely need to cover a large portion of his wages, a potential stumbling block given his high salary.

The rise of Amad Diallo, another promising winger, has further complicated Antony’s place in the squad. Diallo’s impressive performances have seen him surpass Antony in the pecking order for the right-wing role, raising more questions about Antony’s future at the club. Although Ten Hag was instrumental in bringing Antony to United from Ajax, reports now suggest the manager is open to selling him, having grown disillusioned with his lack of progress.

Antony’s role in the team has significantly diminished this season, with the Brazilian making only two Premier League appearances, both from the bench. It’s becoming clear that he is no longer a central figure in Ten Hag’s tactical plans, casting doubt on the future of a player once seen as crucial to United’s attack. Given the £86 million spent on him, his swift decline is particularly concerning.

Adding to the challenge is the difficulty Manchester United face in finding a club willing to meet their valuation for Antony. His disappointing form and lack of development make potential buyers hesitant to invest heavily in a player who hasn’t lived up to his price tag.

This situation arises at a time when Manchester United are actively looking to free up funds for new signings. With a sluggish start to the season, the club is eager to strengthen key areas, particularly the winger and left-back positions. Antony’s departure, whether via loan or permanent transfer, could be key in clearing space on the wage bill and enabling United to bring in fresh talent.

In a broader context, Antony’s struggles highlight the ongoing issues Manchester United have had with integrating big-money signings in recent years. The club’s readiness to move on from the Brazilian suggests an urgency to correct past mistakes and focus on players who can make an immediate impact. As January approaches, attention will turn to how United handles the Antony dilemma and what it means for their squad for the remainder of the season.