According to transfer insider Dean Jones, Manchester United has no plans of selling Antony during the summer window. Although the Brazil international has had a difficult time impressing at Old Trafford, the club is unwilling to let him go as they are unlikely to recoup their investment. Jones also suggests that Antony’s recent absence from the starting lineup could be beneficial for the player and the club in the long term.
Manchester United made a significant investment of £86 million to acquire the winger from Ajax in September 2022, facilitating his reunion with manager Erik ten Hag after a successful stint at the Johan Cruyff Arena. However, the player has faced challenges with limited playing time in recent weeks.
The confirmation of INEOS chief executive Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s acquisition of a minority stake in the club marks the beginning of a new era for Manchester United. With this fresh investment, the club is poised to make strategic plans as they approach the upcoming transfer window for the 2024/25 campaign.
Red Devils allow Saudi clubs to sign Antony.
According to the Evening Standard, Manchester United attempted to offload Antony to wealthy Saudi Pro League clubs last month. This decision came after manager ten Hag became frustrated with Antony’s struggles in the final third of the pitch, deeming him surplus to requirements.
Reportedly, the Red Devils’ director of football John Murtough traveled to the Middle East in December to explore potential interest from clubs. However, despite their efforts, no clubs were willing to meet Manchester United’s £50 million asking price for the 23-year-old winger. Antony has only managed to score once in 25 appearances this season, leading to concerns about his lack of productivity.
As a result of Antony’s underwhelming performances, Alejandro Garnacho has been given more opportunities in the starting lineup. The Argentine forward has seized this chance, contributing to 10 goals since the beginning of the season and proving to be a more potent attacking threat than his teammate.
| Antony’s statistical averages per 90 minutes compared to Alejandro Garnacho in the Premier League this season |
|
Antony |
Alejandro Garnacho |
| Goals |
0.00 |
0.30 |
| Expected goals |
0.15 |
0.31 |
| Shots |
2.52 |
3.57 |
| Shots on target |
0.49 |
0.89 |
| Assists |
0.00 |
0.18 |
|
Statistics according to FBref – Correct as of 21/2/2024
|
Dean Jones says Antony needs to regain his top form for Ten Hag’s team.
Jones suggests that Antony must display more hunger and challenge defenders if he hopes to revive his Manchester United career. However, he acknowledges the positive impact of witnessing emerging talents like Rasmus Hojlund and Garnacho contribute to the team’s pursuit of Champions League qualification.
The journalist indicates that ten Hag is not actively seeking to sell Antony, recognizing that the club would incur a substantial financial loss given his current form. This represents a significant change in stance from just a few weeks ago when Antony was deemed surplus to requirements.
“When he does come in, he is going to have to show more directness and more of a willingness to really make things happen.
“Antony is a brilliant footballer, and I think that has got lost in the narrative over the past six months or so. But if they can bring him back to life by him learning what it takes for the likes of Ramsus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho to be successful, so be it.
“Manchester United don’t want to lose Antony, at this stage, because they know that they can’t get their money back for him. They need him to find some form and get back into the team.” – Dean Jones
