Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United have no intentions of parting ways with 23-year-old winger Antony in the winter transfer window.
According to a report by Football Insider, Manchester United won’t sanction the sale of Antony in January. The 23-year-old Brazilian winger, currently on a £200,000-a-week deal, has not been in the best of form and he has been linked with a move away from the club. But, the Red Devils are not interested in parting ways with him.
Antony came through the ranks at Sao Paulo before making a name for himself while playing for Dutch club Ajax. He joined Manchester United in the summer of 2022 for a reported fee of £85 million, penning a £200,000-a-week contract. The 23-year-old came in with a lot of expectations, but he has failed to deliver so far.
In his very first season at the club, the Brazilian featured in 44 matches. But all he could manage was a tally of eight goals and three assists. Things have gone from bad to worse in the ongoing season as he is yet to contribute towards a goal despite being involved in 12 matches.
Antony’s poor form has resulted in him being linked with a move away from the club. Multiple reports have suggested that United could look to part ways with him this coming winter, and a certain section of fans have welcomed the news.
However, the reality is that Erik ten Hag has no intentions of letting him leave in the winter. The 23-year-old is still a favourite for the Dutch manager. While his starting spot is under threat from Alejandro Garnacho, ten Hag feels Antony is still very important to his plans.
With Jadon Sancho dropped from the first team because of his rift with the manager, Manchester United lack depth in wide areas. As a result, they cannot afford to sell Antony in the winter. His departure could cause a lot of problems for the team in red.
The 23-year-old has a contract with Manchester United until the summer of 2027, and he earns a reported wage of £200,000 per week. The Red Devils could eventually look to sell him and recoup a fraction of the amount invested in him. But, for the time being, ten Hag is ready to back him and Manchester United won’t negotiate his departure in the upcoming window.