Erik ten Hag's latest Manchester United signing could scupper Joel Glazer's transfer wishes as the £85million-man Antony is likely to reduce Anthony Martial's game time.
United were tracking the Brazilian international for the majority of the window, before finally pulling the trigger on the mega-money move that will add some much-needed spark to the Red Devils' faltering forward line. Martial enjoyed a promising pre-season, but injuries have curtailed his chances of proving he is worthy of another opportunity as United's main central attacking option.
As a result, Ten Hag has overseen the signing of another player - potentially to the dismay of United co-owner Joel Glazer, who is a huge fan of France international Martial. Such a fan, in fact, the American businessman is rumoured to have blocked Martial's exit during Jose Mourinho's reign as boss.
Back then, United were desperate to sign then-Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic and regarded selling Martial as a perfect way to raise the required funds. However, Glazer stepped in and refused to green-light the Frenchman's exit despite the clear benefits.
While the summer transfer window has come and passed for another year with Martial still at Old Trafford, Glazer may be concerned that Antony's arrival renders his favourite player surplus to requirements, or at the very least little more than a back-up option.
Ten Hag has revealed that he is planning to deploy Antony in a similar role to the one he made his own at Ajax under his new United manager's watch. The 22-year-old is expected to line up on the right side of the Red Devils' attacking unit, with one of Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho occupying the same role on the opposite flank.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Will Antony's arrival spell bad news for Martial? Comment below
Despite his well-documented desire to leave the club, there is a strong chance Ronaldo will still be regarded as above Martial in the centre-forward pecking order. The money spent on Sancho means it is unlikely Martial will be able to dislodge the England international out wide.
United's manager is relishing the idea of having so many talented players jostling for starting positions. "It’s good that there is competition, I think it's natural in a top club – this situation has to be there. You have to push players to the highest levels. I’m sure they are happy with it as well.
"We need players. You cannot cover all the games with the same players. You have to manage it. Who you need for certain games, to keep them fit and also to keep them in shape.
"Now we have that opportunity to choose and I’m lucky that we have that situation. We created that situation so well done, I would say."
