Erik ten Hag could finally solve a long-standing concern for Manchester United during this summer window as part of his plans to breathe new life into the squad in time for next season.
As well as setting his sights on a centre-back and at least one central midfielder, the Dutchman is eager to snap up a versatile attacking option. Speculation over Ajax forward Antony continues to mount and reports suggest he will arrive at Old Trafford in a £40million switch.
Antony, 22, is well known to Ten Hag from their time together in Amsterdam and the six-cap Brazil international was a key part of his line-up last season. He scored 12 goals and provided 10 assists in all competitions.
READ MORE: Manchester United are showing they trust Erik ten Hag with Antony transfer stance
Despite splashing out £73million on Jadon Sancho last summer, United had to regularly shuffle the pack out wide last season. Along with natural wingers like Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Elanga, others including Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes had to step in as and when required.
By adding Antony to the mix, Ten Hag should have enough attacking options at his disposal with academy sensation Alejandro Garnacho also to be factored in as he continues his development. And it could finally add some balance on the right-hand side.
Speaking about issues with the position last season, United great turned pundit Gary Neville told Sky Sports: "If you asked him [Pogba] where he wanted to play in any of those front six positions, that would be the position he would like the least. It's the one that Rashford would choose least.
"It's the one that Van de Beek would choose least. It's a position that needs fixing - not just because of the output and the goals, but because of the balance.
"The balance of the team is not right. It needs to be dealt with."
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