Manchester United eyeing Brennan Johnson as Antony alternative

Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a move for Nottingham Forest’s Brennan Johnson if they fail to sign Ajax’s Antony this summer.

According to an exclusive report by The United Stand, Manchester United are exploring the possibility of signing Nottingham Forest’s Brennan Johnson if they fail to bring Ajax winger Antony to Old Trafford this summer.

Erik ten Hag is eager to add an attacker to add depth and provide competition for the likes of Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho. And Antony is reportedly on top of Manchester United’s wishlist as they close in on a deal.

A Nottingham Forest youth product, Johnson led the club’s Premier League promotion charge in the recently-concluded season, scoring 16 goals and assisting nine others in the EFL Championship. The 21-year-old’s outings in the English second-division have alerted a few clubs, who are now monitoring his situation, including Manchester United.

Erik ten Hag is keen on bringing Antony with him to Manchester United, but a deal is still far from materialising. Ajax reportedly want just £31 million for the Brazilian, but the Red Devils, as per Dutch journalist Mike Verweij, are not in a position to invest that much on a single player due to budget constraints and could thus walk away from a deal this summer.

Manchester United are thus looking at cheaper alternatives for Antony, and Johnson is one of the options being explored. The Welsh international is not an out-an-out right-winger and can play across the front line, with second striker being his preferred position.

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The United Stand’s report claims that Manchester United talked about the possibility of signing Johnson when the two clubs were involved in discussions over a loan move for goalkeeper Dean Henderson, which also reportedly includes a £20 million option to buy.

However, Forest were not ready to initiate discussions over a possible move for the 21-year-old Welsh forward as they consider him crucial to their plans after earning a return to the Premier League after 23 years. They reportedly rate the attacker around £30-40 million, which is almost similar to what Ajax are demanding for Antony.

Midfielder James Garner, who returned to Manchester United after an impressive season-long loan stint with Nottingham Forest, also gave a positive review on Johnson’s ability. But Manchester United may decide against making a move this summer due to the reported price tag and monitor his progress in the Premier League for a possible move in the future.

Also Read: Manchester United Season Review: What went wrong for the Red Devils in the 2021/22 season?

Johnson has just a year left on his contract with Nottingham Forest, who would want to tie him down to a longer deal should the 21-year-old attacker flourish in the Premier League.