“Huge news has just been announced this evening regarding Antony’s potential departure from Manchester United” – Shocking developments as the club’s asking price for the winger has officially been revealed 😳
Manchester United are reportedly considering sending Brazilian winger Antony out on loan during the upcoming January transfer window, with a potential permanent transfer in the summer.
Antony, who joined United in the summer of 2022 for a hefty sum of up to £86 million, has struggled to live up to the high expectations that came with his move to Old Trafford. This season, his playing time has significantly decreased under the management of Erik ten Hag.
The 24-year-old’s transfer to Manchester United was highly anticipated due to his successful stint under Ten Hag at Ajax. The Dutch manager played a key role in advocating for Antony’s signing, confident that the winger would boost United’s attacking options.
However, Ten Hag was not solely behind the deal. Manchester United eventually reached an agreement with Ajax, which involved a guaranteed £82 million payment, making Antony one of the club’s costliest signings.
Interestingly, the Brazilian winger had been previously scouted during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tenure, with the club initially valuing him at £25 million. Back then, United was hesitant to spend more than £60 million to acquire him.
Since arriving at United, Antony has struggled to deliver consistent performances that would justify his massive price tag. Although he showed glimpses of his potential early on, he has failed to make a lasting impact, and his place in the team has become increasingly uncertain. This season, his playing time has dwindled due to the emergence of other players competing for wide positions.
The likes of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Amad Diallo have been preferred in recent matches, leaving Antony further down the pecking order.
His struggles have been exacerbated by the departures of players like Jadon Sancho, Omari Forson, and Facundo Pellistri, who were expected to provide competition. Despite their exits, Antony has found it difficult to secure more playing time, managing just 139 minutes across all competitions this season, with his only start coming in a Carabao Cup match against Barnsley.
As Antony’s role at the club becomes increasingly uncertain, reports suggest Manchester United could loan him out in January to allow him to regain his form and confidence with regular minutes elsewhere. There is also speculation that a permanent move could be on the cards next summer.
The club hopes that by loaning him out, Antony could find his rhythm again and potentially return to contribute to the squad. If not, United may look at recouping some of their investment through a permanent transfer.
