Manchester United are set to officially unveil Antony as their fifth summer signing. After a long-lasting soap opera, the club has finally secured the signing of Erik ten Hag’s top attacking target. This signing further magnifies the future of Cristiano Ronaldo at the club.
The club now has an exciting attack and with Ronaldo still looking for a move away from Old Trafford, Fabrizio Romano thinks this will be the biggest possible twist towards the end of the window.
Fabrizio Romano Says to Keep An Eye On Cristiano Ronaldo Situation
‘See What Happens’
The highly reputed Italian journalist said in his daily briefing via CaughtOffside: “Keep an eye on Ronaldo until the end of the window.”
Romano also added: “Let’s see what happens, but when it comes to Antony, Erik ten Hag views him as a regular starter but has already told Manchester United’s attackers that he will frequently rotate.”
What the Antony Signing Means for Cristiano Ronaldo
Antony has just arrived at Carrington and he’s undergoing main part of medical tests as new Manchester United player. 🚨🩺 #MUFC
Official statement to follow. pic.twitter.com/IIvfGWpOZJ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 29, 2022
Manchester United had to break the Eredivisie transfer fee record to land the exciting Brazilian forward. Having worked with Antony during his days at Ajax, it’s a no-brainer that Erik ten Hag views him as a regular starter.
This becomes a potential problem for Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese forward has had to start from the bench in United’s last two games and the one against Liverpool would have set alarm bells ringing in his camp.
Managers always start their trusted players in the most intense of games and sitting out the game against their rivals will send the message that he is no longer an indispensable player for the Dutch manager. With Antony now joining the attacking ranks of the coach, the Portuguese legend potentially goes lower in the pecking order.
ESPN reports that the Manchester United players were also elated when the forward communicated his transfer request to the club. They feel he failed to reduce his expectations from the old Alex Ferguson days after returning to Old Trafford last summer.
His frequent tantrums on the pitch made the players feel he was becoming a burden to the squad. This goes to show that his influence has also started dwindling at Carrington and a move away from the club now seems inevitable.
Cristiano Ronaldo is unconvinced by a move to Napoli, ruling out any permanent transfer there according to @JacobsBen. 👀
A loan could still be in cards but Ronaldo remains hesitant. pic.twitter.com/HTNAOtWS6M
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) August 29, 2022
The Options Available for Cristiano Ronaldo
Jorge Mendes has been working hard all through the window to find a perfect solution to the situation of his biggest client. The agent has now offered him on loan to Napoli and this seems to be the last option for the player now that the swap deal with Victor Osimhen now appears improbable.
Despite the head coach of Napoli being keen on working with Ronaldo, Osimhen’s agent has discarded the possibility of an exchange to United. Like Ronaldo, Osimhen also wants to play in the Champions League with Napoli.
But then, Ronaldo’s agent is one of football’s most iconic and reliable. He may have a trick or two up his sleeve. Many solutions may unfold before the end of the window for Ronaldo to fulfil his dire desire for Champions League football.
