Manchester United are set to entertain loan offers for Brazilian winger Antony in the upcoming January transfer window, following his challenging start to his third season at the club. Reports from Football Insider suggest that the 24-year-old is no longer in Erik ten Hag’s plans, with the club eager to offload his hefty £200,000-per-week wages.
Antony’s time at Old Trafford has not gone as expected since his high-profile £86 million move from Ajax in 2022. His performances have failed to justify the significant investment, leading Manchester United to consider his departure in the form of a loan deal. The club is reportedly open to including a purchase option in any potential agreement but is keen for a large portion of his salary to be covered by the loaning club.
Ajax Uncertain About Re-Signing Antony
One of the most notable potential destinations for Antony is Ajax, the club where he previously thrived. The Eredivisie side has been linked with a move for their former star, but Dutch outlet De Telegraaf reports that Ajax has reservations about bringing Antony back. Concerns over his form at Manchester United, where he has struggled for consistency and has fallen down the pecking order, may be driving this hesitation.
Despite these doubts, Antony’s previous success at Ajax, where he was a key player under Erik ten Hag, could still make a return to the Dutch giants appealing to both parties. However, Ajax’s final decision may hinge on whether they are willing to match United’s financial demands and accommodate Antony’s high wages.
A Season of Setbacks
Antony’s fall from favor at Manchester United has been evident this season. He has featured just twice in the Premier League, both appearances coming off the bench. With the rise of players like Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Amad Diallo, Antony has found himself sidelined, unable to secure a regular starting role.
His only notable contribution so far this season came in the EFL Cup, where he scored in a 7-0 victory over Barnsley, a League One side. This match marked his sole start of the season, underscoring his diminished role in Ten Hag’s squad.
When asked about Antony’s future last month, Ten Hag was candid, stating that the player needed to show more if he wanted to regain his place in the team. This has fueled speculation that Antony’s time at Old Trafford may be coming to an end, at least temporarily.
A January Exit on the Horizon
Manchester United’s willingness to explore loan options for Antony signals a turning point for the Brazilian. Once considered a marquee signing and one of Ten Hag’s first major acquisitions, Antony’s fortunes have shifted dramatically. The January transfer window presents an opportunity for both the player and the club to reassess their partnership, with a loan deal offering Antony a chance to rediscover his form elsewhere.
