EXCLUSIVE: Man Utd Misfit Antony Hopes to Strike Gold Ahead of £40m Transfer Decision
Manchester United winger Antony is at a crossroads. Once hailed as the next Brazilian star to light up the Premier League, the £85 million signing has endured two difficult seasons at Old Trafford. With the club facing a summer of transformation, and new leadership under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS project reshaping the footballing hierarchy, Antony now finds himself facing an uncertain future.
Exclusive sources close to the club reveal that the 24-year-old is hopeful of reviving his career and reputation in time to attract serious transfer interest — particularly as United prepare to entertain offers in the region of £40 million. For Antony, the months ahead represent both a last chance and a potential escape route — a chance to “strike gold” with a move that can resurrect his once-promising trajectory.
The Rise and Fall
When Antony arrived at Manchester United in the summer of 2022, he was one of Erik ten Hag’s flagship signings. Having worked together at Ajax, the Brazilian was seen as a key component in bringing Ten Hag’s vision of fast, fluid, and aggressive football to life. His left-footed cutting runs from the right wing, flair for the dramatic, and emotional connection to the game made him a player with fan appeal and media magnetism.
His debut goal against Arsenal — a calm, curled finish at Old Trafford — suggested United had a real gem on their hands. But since then, things have unraveled. In two seasons, Antony has managed just 9 goals and 5 assists in over 70 appearances — a poor return for a player of his price and profile.
Beyond the stats, the more damning indictment has been his inability to impact big games. Opponents have learned to nullify his predictable movement — cutting inside on his left foot — and his defensive contribution has often been lacking. Despite occasional flashes of quality, consistency has eluded him, and a once-supportive fan base has grown increasingly critical.
Off the Pitch Pressure
Antony’s struggles haven’t been confined to the pitch. Off-field issues, including legal accusations from a former partner — which he has strongly denied — disrupted his availability and focus during the 2023/24 campaign. Although the Brazilian international has returned to the squad and resumed full training, sources within the club suggest his confidence remains fragile.
Internally, there are concerns about his adaptability and maturity. While Ten Hag has continued to defend him publicly, there’s growing belief that a new managerial appointment — should one arrive this summer — may opt to move in a different direction.
With Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS regime prioritising data-driven recruitment, value for money, and tactical fit, Antony’s place in the squad is under serious threat.
Transfer Plans: £40 Million Valuation
United are reportedly willing to listen to offers for Antony this summer, with a valuation of around £40 million being set — a significant drop from the record fee paid to Ajax. The club accepts that they are unlikely to recoup the full investment but hope to mitigate the loss by offloading him early in the window.
Several clubs across Europe have expressed tentative interest. Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, and Atletico Madrid are all monitoring Antony’s situation, although none have yet made formal bids. There’s also interest from Saudi Pro League clubs, where his marketability and flair could command a hefty salary package — a move that Antony himself is said to be reluctant about at this stage of his career.
According to sources close to the player, Antony still harbours ambitions of proving himself in Europe and is hoping for one final opportunity — whether at United or elsewhere — to revive his status as a top-level talent.
Antony’s Strategy: Prove His Worth Before the Window
In recent weeks, Antony has redoubled his efforts behind the scenes. He has reportedly hired a private performance coach, focusing on nutrition, strength training, and mental resilience. His inner circle believes that a strong pre-season showing could put him back in the frame, either to convince United’s new leadership or to attract top-tier interest from abroad.
Antony is said to be aware that his reputation has taken a hit, but he remains confident in his ability. In a recent private conversation, shared with this outlet, the Brazilian reportedly told a confidant: “I know what people are saying. But I’m not done here. I’m ready to show what I can do — wherever that is.”
This drive to “strike gold” — not just in terms of a lucrative transfer, but in reclaiming his footballing credibility — is driving his efforts ahead of what could be the most important summer of his career.
A Complicated Legacy at Old Trafford
Should Antony leave this summer, his time at Manchester United will be viewed as a case study in poor recruitment and inflated expectations. Bought at a time when United were desperate to support their new manager, his price tag inflated due to Ajax’s unwillingness to sell mid-window, and Ten Hag’s insistence on reuniting with his former player.
Yet, some within United’s technical staff still believe Antony could be salvaged. They point to his work ethic, willingness to improve, and flashes of brilliance — such as his winning goal against Barcelona in the Europa League last season. The problem has been inconsistency and a lack of evolution in his game.
If Ruben Amorim or another tactically demanding coach takes over from Ten Hag, there’s a slim chance that Antony could be repurposed or retrained — perhaps in a more central role or as a utility attacker. But that possibility remains remote given the squad’s need for reinforcements and the pressure to free up wages and roster space.
What Comes Next?
Manchester United’s transfer strategy this summer is expected to be ruthless. With INEOS committed to streamlining the squad and rebalancing the wage structure, several high-profile names — including Jadon Sancho, Casemiro, Harry Maguire, and Scott McTominay — could also depart.
For Antony, the writing appears to be on the wall, unless he can produce a pre-season revival that drastically shifts perceptions.
His potential departure could open the door for younger wingers like Amad Diallo or even new signings more suited to a modern, high-pressing system. United have been linked with players like Michael Olise (Crystal Palace) and Nico Williams (Athletic Club), both of whom offer the dynamism and creativity that has been missing from United’s right flank.
Conclusion: Antony at a Career Crossroads
As Manchester United prepare for another summer of upheaval, Antony stands as a symbol of both the club’s flawed recruitment strategy and the harsh realities of top-tier football. Once a marquee signing and fan favourite, he is now a misfit fighting for relevance and redemption.
Whether his future lies at Old Trafford or elsewhere, Antony’s goal is clear: to prove that he still has the talent and tenacity to succeed at the highest level. The coming months will determine whether he can strike gold — or whether his time at Manchester United will go
down as one of the most costly missteps in recent memory.
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