Manchester United have decided on Antony’s future as the noise around a potential departure in the January transfer window amplifies, according to reports. Antony has regressed rather than progressed in his second season at United, and time to prove he is worth Erik ten Hag’s faith is potentially running out.
United splashed £85million to sign Antony at the request of Ten Hag last summer, making him the club’s second-most expensive signing behind Paul Pogba.
But the 23-year-old winger struggled to settle in his maiden campaign on English shores, registering just eight goals and three assists in 44 games in all competitions.
His contributions this term make for even more ghastly reading, failing to provide a single goal or assist in 11 appearances while offering very little threat in either metric.
It has led to early whispers that Antony is on a one-way train to become one of the worst signings in United’s history.
And the Red Devils have even been linked with cutting ties with Antony in January to help fund a move for a new striker.
However, there are reportedly no current plans in place to give up on the Brazil international so soon.
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According to 90min, United are not interested in offloading Antony and are instead eager to help him find his groove at Old Trafford.
The feeling is mutual in Antony’s camp. His agent confirmed there was ‘zero chance’ he would join Flamengo in a swap deal for reported striker target Gabriel Barbosa.
And the report claims Antony has no ambition to give up on his dream of playing for United despite ever-intensifying disgruntlement among fans.
He believes he still has Ten Hag’s full backing just over a year after the former Ajax boss campaigned for a reunion in Manchester.
Antony’s status as Ten Hag’s first-choice right-winger hasn’t been seriously challenged since his arrival.
Jadon Sancho was missing for months of last season, and his public row with Ten Hag at the start of September is yet to be resolved.
Meanwhile, supporters have clamoured for Facundo Pellistri to get a chance. The 21-year-old has looked bright in his cameos off the bench but has struggled to make an impact as a starter.
Amad’s imminent return from injury could eventually threaten Antony’s place, but he will also likely have to settle for substitute appearances as he builds up his fitness.
