❗️BREAKING NEWS: Huge news has been announced this evening on Antony’s departure from Manchester United.
Manchester United are reportedly considering allowing winger Antony to leave the club on loan in the January transfer window, with the potential for a permanent deal next summer. The 24-year-old Brazilian, who joined United for a staggering fee of up to £86 million, has struggled to make a significant impact since his arrival and has fallen down the pecking order under manager Erik ten Hag.
Antony was brought to Old Trafford with high expectations, having previously worked with Ten Hag at Ajax, where the manager played a key role in the pursuit of the player. Although the decision to sign Antony wasn’t solely Ten Hag’s, United’s management eventually reached an agreement with Ajax for a deal that included £82 million in guaranteed payments, making Antony the club’s second-most expensive signing ever. This came despite the fact that the club’s scouts had initially valued him at around £25 million during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tenure, and United had earlier indicated they would not pay more than £60 million for him.
However, Antony’s performances have failed to justify the hefty price tag, and he has found himself behind the likes of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Amad Diallo in the competition for wide positions this season. The departures of Jadon Sancho, Omari Forson, and Facundo Pellistri have not significantly improved his chances of getting more playing time. So far, he has managed just 139 minutes of game time across all competitions, with his only start coming in the Carabao Cup match against Barnsley.
Reports from The Daily Mail suggest that Manchester United are now exploring their options and are open to letting Antony leave on loan in January. The club hopes that a loan move could potentially lead to a permanent transfer next summer, though they are aware that recouping anything close to the initial investment is unlikely. It is believed that United would be willing to entertain offers in the region of £40 million to facilitate his departure.
Antony had shown early promise at United, scoring in three consecutive Premier League matches, including against top teams like Arsenal and Manchester City, soon after his arrival. However, his form quickly dipped, and his contributions became increasingly sporadic. One of the few standout moments came when he scored the winning goal in a crucial Europa League tie against Barcelona in February 2023. Aside from that, his best display in a United shirt last season was in an FA Cup match against League Two side Newport County.
Off-field issues have also overshadowed Antony’s time at Manchester United. Last season, he was embroiled in controversy after facing allegations of domestic assault, with multiple women accusing him of violent behavior. The Brazilian has consistently denied these allegations, but the situation added to the challenges he faced in establishing himself as a key player for the club.
Given his limited impact and the competition for places within the squad, United’s decision to consider moving Antony on is not entirely surprising. A loan move in January would give the player an opportunity to rediscover his form and potentially attract interest from other clubs. However, the significant drop in his market value means that United will likely have to accept a substantial financial loss if they decide to part ways with the winger permanently.
As things stand, Antony’s future at Manchester United looks uncertain, and a change of scenery may be the best option for both the player and the club. With the January transfer window approaching, United will be keen to resolve the situation and focus on strengthening their squad for the second half of the season. Whether Antony can revive his career elsewhere or eventually return to Old Trafford and make a meaningful contribution remains to be seen, but for now, the club appears ready to cut their losses and move on.
