Man United are now unlikely to sign Antony this summer.
It feels like Manchester United have spent a fair bit of time sniffing around Ajax winger Antony this summer.
The Brazilian flourished under Erik ten Hag at Ajax last season, scoring twelve goals while also adding ten assists.
As Ten Hag continues to look to surround himself with familiarity, a move for Antony always felt like it made sense. We’ve been on top of all the Antony stories here.
Sadly, the latest update from Sky Sports News’ Dharmesh Sheth deals a blow to United in pursuit of one of their top targets. He states that a move for Antony is now ‘completely off the agenda’. That’s unless Ajax’s asking price for the 22-year-old comes down ‘significantly’.
The Brazilian has an asking price in excess of £80m. A fee that United aren’t seemingly willing to meet during this window. Obviously, the Reds only have so much in the way of budget and perhaps it has been agreed with Ten Hag that the sort of fees being mentioned by the Dutch club are just too great.
It’s also worth considering Ajax have lost several key faces already this summer. They were always bound to dig their heels in, particularly when you factor in United acquiring Lisandro Martinez from them.
If you watched any of the weekend games, it’s clear United need more depth out wide. We cannot go into the campaign with Antony Elanga and Facundo Pellistri as our third and fourth choice wingers. Sorry, but they’re both still too young and raw.
Be it Antony or someone else, the Reds have to invest in a new winger of genuine quality and experience. Ten Hag has always been big on squad depth and having reliable back-ups. It’s an area of the field that simply cannot be neglected – particularly if Cristiano Ronaldo leaves.
Who should Man United target as an attacking signing this summer? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.
If Elanga and Amad are the back up to Rashford and Sancho, the the signing of Antony is only going half way to resolving that issue.
Centre forward also needs to be resolved as Ronaldo, with Martial as back up, will not be enough. Accordingly, Kalajdzic and Sesko are both needed.
Defensive midfield is the most pressing emergency, although de Jong would not resolve that, he is a deep lying playmaker; United have one of those in Fred. A proper defensive midfielder (a Bryan Robson / Roy Keane character) is a must. Ibrahim Sangare whilst not ideal, is young, keen and affordable. Further he would jump at the chance of joining United and playing in the Premier League.
To me, starting with goalkeeper, we need a good backup for De gea because no knows what can happen.
I think man utd needed Antony because he is so skilled, physical,faster and so intelligent more than any other winger and I think if Sancho can attack from the left wing and Antony on the right, that will be superb. I wish Antony the best in MANCHESTER UNITED.