Antony moved from Ajax to Man United in the summer of 2022 for a hefty fee, but has yet to prove his talent is worthy of the Red Devils’ huge investment. Although Ten Hag has acknowledged his student’s difficulties, the Dutch strategist has refused to accept any criticism for United’s decision to overpay for the Brazilian, while insisting that he can still turn his career around at Old Trafford.

Speaking in an interview with AD Sportwereld, Ten Hag said: “I didn’t go over budget. I never even had a budget. At Man United, the budget is in the hands of the owners and the board. He (Antony) certainly showed that potential in the first month: he scored three goals in the first three games. Then things got more difficult, last season wasn’t good. But I still believe he has the potential to play in this team.”

In 82 appearances for Man United so far, the Brazilian has scored just eight goals. In addition to his modest goalscoring record and zero assists, Antony has also been widely criticised for his untidy, lack of pace in transition situations. However, Ten Hag’s comments suggest that Antony will be given another chance to prove his worth amid widespread summer transfer rumours.

Antony has started pre-season training with Man United and will fly to the US for friendlies against Arsenal, Real Betis and Liverpool. Ten Hag’s side will then look ahead to the Community Shield against Man City on 10 August, six days before their 2024/25 Premier League opener against Fulham.

Also regarding Antony’s future, agent Junior Pedroso has now confirmed that the player has no intention of leaving Old Trafford in the current transfer window after rumours emerged that the Red Devils are willing to let him leave on loan this summer if any club agrees to pay his £70,000-a-week wages.

“I saw the information about the possibility of leaving on loan. Antony’s plan is clear: Man United. He wants to stay, he is only focused on Man United. We have talked about that with the club,” said Pedroso.

Sancho stays at MU?

According to a new report from Manchester Evening News, Jadon Sancho has been given a new opportunity to stay at Man United for a period of 6 weeks, this summer 2024.

This is quite surprising information because previously, most reputable newspapers in England believed that there was no chance for the striker born in 2000. Sancho also started that opportunity with his first appearance for MU after 329 days in the recent friendly match between MU and Ranger.

Antony must go.

 

According to ESPN, the Brazilian striker will be allowed to leave on loan this summer if a club is willing to pay his £70,000-a-week wages. Antony’s poor performances have seen his estimated value drop by around £21m since arriving at United, the biggest drop in world football’s value this season.