Talented Ajax forward Antony is now no longer an option for Manchester United this summer, despite naming him their priority target earlier in the transfer window, reports Mike Verweij.
Erik ten Hag was seemingly keen to reunite with his former ‘world class’ prodigy after working with the Brazilian in his managerial reign at Ajax.
Antony Rumoured to Stay at Ajax Despite Links With Manchester United
The Forward Looked Lively in Weekend Game
However, Dutch journalist Verweij has now reported: “Antony is no longer an option from the United side.
“Antony will need to think twice if he goes to Manchester if you see how much fun Ajax had yesterday with the front three..”
Read more: Erik ten Hag Leaves Manchester United Squad ‘In Ruins’ as Punishment for Embarrassment in London
Verweij highlighted Ajax’s thrashing against FC Groningen on August 14, where they finished the game 6-1. Antony added a goal and an assist to his tally for the season and was playing with confidence as he tip-toed his way through the Groningen defenders, showing his quality and remarkable dribbling ability. His performance has since been described as ‘magic’.
De magie van Antony 🪄🤩#ajagro pic.twitter.com/RW5XKgEJ8A
— ESPN NL (@ESPNnl) August 15, 2022
More Chance of Silverware in Amsterdam?
The Amsterdam side sit first in the Eredivisie and are reigning champions of the league, whereas United are currently rock bottom in the Premier League. If it’s league success the 22-year-old craves, staying put may be the most suitable option.
Similarly across Europe, players seek the lucrative opportunity to rub shoulders with the elite in one of the most regarded competitions in football, the Champions League.
So much so that it can be a dealbreaker in certain transfers, which is causing an issue for the Red Devils this summer, as their sixth-place league finish in 2021/2022 meant they embark on a Europa League campaign this season.
Consequently, Cristiano Ronaldo is actively seeking a move away from the club, and midfield target Frenkie de Jong has shown reluctance to join the side over the summer. If Antony remains an Ajax player, he has the chance to continue to make a name for himself whilst chasing the coveted trophy.
Read more: Erik ten Hag Shifts Stance and is ‘Open’ to Selling Manchester United Star Man
Manchester United Need a Like-for-Like Alternative
The Brazil international would undoubtedly strengthen this lacklustre United side and ideally would have provided an instant impact. He’s already carrying on his spectacular form of last season, when he hit double figures for both goals and assists across all competitions – a combined total of 22.
🔎 | FOCUS
Antony produced a spectacular performance as Ajax recorded a dominant 6:1 win over Groningen:
👌 87 touches
⚽️ 1 goal
🎯 4 shots/2 on target
🅰️ 1 assist
🎁 2 big chances created
↪️ 2/2 accurate crosses
💨 7/9 successful dribbles
📈 9.4 SofaScore rating🔥🔥#AJAGRO pic.twitter.com/2isqXvyB7S
— Sofascore (@SofascoreINT) August 14, 2022
Antony was awarded Eredivisie Talent of the Month in December 2021 before adding a second league winners medal to his collection in May 2022.
Read more: Every Premier League Transfer Completed in Summer 2022
Erik ten Hag needs to act quickly and efficiently on the transfer market to try and spark some ambition into his squad, and hope into their supporters.
A 2-1 loss at home to Brighton & Hove Albion and a 4-0 loss to Brentford is nothing short of a nightmare beginning for any new manager, but especially one with the pressure of rebuilding United to a competitive side, challenging their rivals for the silverware they achieved so long ago.
