Manchester United seem to be again growing in confidence that they can sign highly-rated Ajax winger Antony. The Brazilian was one of Erik Ten Hag’s star performers in Amsterdam and has been one of the Reds' primary targets for much of the summer so far.
It’s no secret that United are eager to add more firepower to their attack. They’ve lost Edinson Cavani and Mason Greenwood, and questions still persist over Cristiano Ronaldo who’s made it clear he wants out of the club.
The Reds were heavily reliant on the Portuguese star last season and are eager to keep him at the club to see out the remaining 12 months of his current deal. He held face to face talks with Ten Hag at the Carrington training complex on Tuesday to try and resolve the issue. Yet, even if he stays, the same is unlikely to discourage United's interest in Antony.
But after already losing Ryan Gravenberch, Lisandro Martinez and Noussair Mazraoui, Ajax were keen to deter United’s initial interest in Antony and slapped a fee of £70million on the Brazilian.
There’s now talk that they may be willing to do business for cheaper though, and the attacker’s current ability and long-term potential make him a target worth persisting if there’s a chance a deal can be done.
Although Antony isn’t an out-and-out striker in the same vein as the United forwards previously mentioned, he still ticks many boxes. He operates best out on the right, which is the position Jadon Sancho has impressed playing so far during the club’s pre-season.
However, United want options and Antony gives them something different, especially as he’s a left-footed attacker.
His 12 league goal contributions from last season may look decent if unremarkable at first glance, though he managed a further ten across all competitions, six of which came in the Champions League, suggesting he’s ready to step up to the demands of the Premier League.
Furthermore, scratching beyond the surface and looking at more detailed attacking metrics better captures his greater all-around influence in the attacking third.
On top of the above, the 22-year-old completed the most progressive passes of any Eredivisie forward who played at least 20 league games last season and averaged the second most dribbles per 90 (8.4) of any of those players too.
Given what United have already spent landing the likes of Lisandro Martínez and Tyrell Malacia, plus what they’re reserving to strengthen other areas, a fee of £70million is likely to be beyond what they’re willing to pay this summer.
However, the above highlights why Antony would still be worthy of a significant chunk of their transfer kitty, and he certainly has the potential to play a key role next season if he were to come to Old Trafford.
