Arsenal legend Paul Merson urges Manchester United to sign Newcastle star Allan Saint-Maximin over Ajax ace Antony.
According to Sky Sports, Arsenal legend and now pundit Paul Merson has urged Premier League giants Manchester United to opt against signing Antony in favour of Newcastle ace Saint Allan-Maximin.
The Red Devils finally appear to be finding their feet under Erik ten Hag but there is still much work to be done. The Dutchman is still in need of reinforcements and Ajax star Antony is one of the names on the club’s radar.
Possessing excellent ball control and pace to burn, the Brazilian international is on the verge of breaking out at the top level. Antony’s skills have attracted attention from several teams across Europe and he has his heart set on a move to Old Trafford.
The 22-year-old is not the only winger on the Red Devils’ radar. Newcastle star Saint-Maximin is also a target for the Manchester-based side. The Frenchman has enjoyed a brilliant start to the season and is a proven talent in the English Premier League. Unlike Antony, Saint-Maximin will not need time to acclimatise himself to the top flight.
Merson, for one, is impressed with the Newcastle star’s performances and believes he would be a better fit at Old Trafford. While he does not believe that the Magpies will let their star man go, Merson remains flummoxed that Antony appears to be ahead of the Frenchman on Man United’s wishlist.
“If I was Man United, I would take Saint-Maximin over Antony every day of the week, every day of the week.”
While Merson does have a point, he should also take into account the fact that Antony has played under Ten Hag at Ajax. The Red Devils’ boss’s familiarity with the Brazilian’s talents will give him the edge when it comes to deploying him in a red shirt. Antony is not only younger than Saint-Maximin but also has a higher ceiling. While he will not come cheap, Man United could be landing themselves a potentially world-class star.
Despite Merson’s advice, Man United appear to have other ideas. The Red Devils are closing in on signing Antony in a deal worth €100m including bonuses. The Brazilian could be unveiled as the club’s marquee signing in the next few days.
