Manchester United may be open to allowing Brazilian winger Antony to depart on loan in the January transfer window, with the possibility of a permanent exit next summer. Antony, signed for a hefty £86 million fee after Erik ten Hag sought his former Ajax player, has struggled to make a lasting impact since arriving at Old Trafford. Despite the club’s high hopes, his performances have been inconsistent, leaving his future in doubt.
The decision to pursue Antony came with controversy, as club scouts under previous manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had reportedly valued him at £25 million. However, United eventually agreed to pay Ajax £82 million in guaranteed payments, making Antony their second most expensive acquisition. This significant investment has raised questions, particularly given his current standing within the team.
Falling down the pecking order
This season, Antony has found himself behind several players in the competition for wide positions, including Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Amad Diallo. With limited game time and just 139 minutes across all competitions, his opportunities have been scarce. His only start came in a Carabao Cup fixture against Barnsley, reflecting his diminished role in the squad.
Despite the departures of Jadon Sancho, Omari Forson, and Facundo Pellistri, Antony’s chances of securing more regular playing time have not improved. His form has been overshadowed by more consistent performers, leaving him on the fringes of the team’s plans.
United considering loan as transfer value drops
According to reports, Manchester United are assessing their options and are open to allowing Antony to leave on loan in January, with a view to a permanent transfer at the end of the season. However, any hopes of recouping the significant investment seem slim. The club may be willing to entertain offers as low as £40 million, a substantial loss compared to the original transfer fee.
United’s hope is that a loan move could reignite interest in the player and lead to a more permanent solution, though a return to his initial form looks increasingly unlikely.
Underwhelming performances and off-field controversy
Antony’s early United career showed promise, as he scored in his first three Premier League matches, including notable strikes against Arsenal and Manchester City. However, those moments of brilliance have been few and far between. One of his few standout contributions came in February 2023, when he netted the winner against Barcelona. His best showing of the previous season was in a FA Cup match against lower-league opposition, Newport County.
Adding to his difficulties on the pitch, Antony has been involved in off-field controversy. He faced allegations of domestic abuse, with multiple women accusing him of violence. The Brazilian winger has denied these claims, but the scandal has undoubtedly added further pressure during a challenging period in his career.
