Manchester United are reportedly confident of landing priority attacking target Antony from Ajax this summer.
According to The Sun, Premier League giants Manchester United are growing confident of securing the services of Ajax winger Antony in the ongoing transfer window.
The Brazilian attacker has been one of the most electric players in the Eredivisie, playing a key role in Erik ten Hag’s domestic dominance. This has caught the attention of clubs from across Europe, including Manchester United.
Erik ten Hag left Ajax for Manchester United in the summer and is seeking to rebuild a Red Devils side that has hit rock bottom in recent months. His task is not easy with the club failing to pick up any points in their opening two Premier League fixtures. The Dutchman has sought to strengthen the side by raiding former Ajax stars Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen, among others.
The imminent arrival of Casemiro more or less gives the Red Devils a much-awaited defensive midfielder, but more is needed. Landing Antony will give Manchester United the impetus needed to raise the cutting edge upfront. The Brazilian appears keen to move to Old Trafford and has failed to turn up for training at Ajax.
The Red Devils are ready to pounce and will soon table a bumper offer for the 22-year-old’s services. It comfortably eclipses their previous offer of £68 million. Accepting the offer will see Ajax receive a king’s ransom for a player who is far from the finished article. The Brazilian will also become the latest player to leave the Dutch club in what has been a summer exodus of sorts.
A dynamic winger capable of developing into a world-class player, Antony is on paper, an excellent addition for Manchester United. But the move might not be in his best interests given how Jadon Sancho has fared at the Theatre of Dreams. The young Englishman arrived with a similar reputation but has so far proven to be a dud.
The only real winner at this point is Ajax, who will have outdone themselves regarding the transfer fee. It will increase pressure on Antony to perform while also ramping up expectations in ten Hag. Manchester United tried to buy their way out of mediocrity the last few years; whether this time will prove any different remains to be seen.
