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“Antony lacks confidence, I will help him find his best football like when he played at Ajax.” Here are the words spoken by Ruben Amorim a few days ago. Appointed head of Manchester United last month, the Portuguese technician intends to succeed where Erik ten Hag failed. However, the Dutchman had everything to achieve it, having already successfully managed the Brazilian at Ajax Amsterdam. Convinced by his qualities, his talent and his profile, ETH had put his name at the top of the list of players he wanted to recruit to Manchester United. A request to which the English leaders had acceded, who did not hesitate to sign a large check for €95 million.
He drags the price of his transfer like a ball and chain
A price which still weighs on the attacker’s shoulders today. The British press does not hesitate to regularly point out that the Red Devils spent a fortune to recruit him for each of his failed outings. And unfortunately for him, there have been a lot of them since 2022. During his first season, he participated in 44 matches in all competitions. Time to score 8 goals and deliver 3 assists. Last year, in 2023-24, Antony, who had to deal with an extra-sporting case concerning domestic violence, took part in 38 matches. But his statistics were not impressive since he posted a record of 3 goals and 2 assists.
This season, the Auriverde international has appeared 10 times in the red jersey, including 3 times as a starter. It should be added that he has only scored one goal so far (0 assists). It was on September 17 against Barnsley in the Carabao Cup. Since then, nothing more for Antony, who had some physical problems and who was also left on the bench sometimes. Mute for more than three months, the Brazilian is not satisfactory. And as very often since his arrival, the English press mentions his possible departure. What is certain is that the door is open for the Mancunian management, which wants to do a major clean-up this winter. But systematically, the Antony clan had closed the door.
His agent raises the possibility of departure
This winter 2024, the position of the player and those around him has evolved. Asked by GiveMeSportJunior Pedroso, the 24-year-old’s agent, took stock. “Yes, many clubs contacted us for the transfer of Antony in January. These clubs wanted to understand Antony’s situation, so I can confirm that there is concrete interest (…) To be honest, Manchester United have never expressed the slightest interest in us to sell or loan Antony. We have never received this kind of communication until now. Manchester United management never told us they wanted Antony to leave, despite the information we see around our client.
He continues: “I can say that Antony’s future is closely linked to the interests of Manchester United. If the club thinks it would be a good idea to loan Antony out in January so he can get more playing time and regain some confidence, we will work on that option together. Otherwise, Antony will work hard to regain his place and show his best qualities under the leadership of new coach Ruben Amorim. Recently, rumors spoke of a possible return of the player to Ajax Amsterdam in the form of a loan. But other doors are likely to open next January for the footballer, under contract until June 2027 at Manchester United.
