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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Jack Flintham

Three ways Manchester United could line up with Antony amid Ajax 'strike' reports

Manchester United could have three options for their lineup should they sign Antony this summer.

Reports in the Netherlands have suggested that the 22-year-old did not take part in training on Friday despite being at Ajax's complex. It is unknown at this stage whether he has an injury or not but De Telegraaf have claimed that Ajax rejected an €80m bid from United for the Brazilian.

This has led to speculation that the player is 'striking' in order to seal a move to the Premier League. However, in an interview with De Telegraaf, Antony explained that he would still be interested in staying in Amsterdam although he could not offer any reassurances to the Ajax supporters.

ALSO READ: Antony sends message to Ten Hag over poor start

Should he decide to make the move to Manchester, here is how United could line-up with him in the team.

Antony at right wing

Antony on the right wing (Pick Your Team)

The most likely option which Erik ten Hag would employ is with Antony on the right of the forward three. This is where Ten Hag would position him while manager of Ajax and it would allow the 22-year-old to feel most at home.

Being left-footed, this role would allow him to cut inside and offer a different attacking threat to the one which United currently possess. The addition of Antony would see Jadon Sancho drop out of the side and he is probably most at threat should the Brazilian winger join the club.

Antony at left wing

Antony on the left wing (Pick Your Team)

A slightly less likely option would see Antony playing on the left wing for United instead of Marcus Rashford. It is not a totally unfamiliar position for the Ajax man, having featured their previously.

However, it could dampen the attacking threat which Antony possesses. He would be less likely to cut inside on his right foot going forwards making him a more one-dimensional option.

Antony in without Ronaldo

Antony without Ronaldo in the team (Pick Your Team)

A very real possibility for United should Antony arrive is that Cristiano Ronaldo would no longer be at Old Trafford. This no era without Ronaldo would surely at this stage see Anthony Martial line-up in the centre-forward position.

The Ajax man would then be placed in his right-wing role ahead of Jadon Sancho with Rashford making up the third and final component of the front line. As a starting XI this could be the most likely line-up out of the three options with Ronaldo's future currently up in the air.

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