Manchester United could allow flop winger Antony to leave the club on loan in January with a view to sealing a permanent move transfer next summer
Erik ten Hag worked with Antony at former club Ajax and while the manager was not the only person involved in the Brazilian’s pursuit, a deal worth £86m was eventually agreed.
United came under fire in December 2023 when a report revealed that club scouts had previously identified Antony as a £25m player during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s time in charge. United later told Ajax they intended to pay no more than £60m, only to end up coughing up £82m in guaranteed money and winning Anthony his second most expensive signing in history.
So far this season, the 24-year-old has been behind Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo in the wide pecking order. The recent departures of Jadon Sancho, Omari Forson and Facundo Pellistri have thinned the pack without improving their prospects.
They have played just 139 minutes in all competitions, with Barnsley in the Carabao Cup their only outing.
The Daily Mail writes that United are considering their options and are “open” to Antony leaving Old Trafford on loan come January. Ultimately, this could help secure a more permanent exit, but it is highly unlikely to recoup anything close to the original investment. The suggestion is that United would be willing to listen to offers as low as £40m to get the player off their hands.
Although he started his own united career with goals in three consecutive Premier League games, including against Arsenal and Manchester City, Antony quickly came off the boil. Scoring the winner against Barcelona in February 2023 has been a highlight since, while his best performance last season was saved for an FA Cup tie against League Two side Newport County.
Last season also began with controversy amid allegations of domestic abuse when several women came forward accusing the player of violence towards them. He denied the allegations.
