Manchester United appear to be closing in on a deal to sign Ajax winger Antony.
The Premier League club have yet to announce any incoming transfers after one of its worst seasons in decades. United finished sixth after failing to win 22 of their 38 league matches. Reports of disharmony within the dressing room plagued the campaign.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was relieved of his managerial duties midway through the campaign, yet replacement coach Ralf Rangnick also struggled in the dugout. Now, United fans are hoping that Erik ten Hag can revitalise the club. The former Ajax boss comes in after several high-profile stars exited for free, including Paul Pogba.
The Sun report that he’s nearing his first signing of the season in Antony. Club officials are in Amsterdam to negotiate a transfer. The transfer fee may be in the region of £40 million.
Ten Hag and Antony
Ten Hag brought Antony to Ajax in 2020. The Brazilian winger had been earning plaudits for Sao Paulo, prompting Ajax to pay an initial £13 million for his signature.
It proved a shrewd investment as Antony shone for the Dutch club domestically and in Europe. In his first season, he scored ten goals and an equal number of assists in all competitions. He followed this with 12 goals and ten assists in all competitions last season, with his Champions League displays making him stand out.
Antony is understood to have a close relationship with Erik Ten Hag. When the coach left for United, Antony wrote a heartfelt Instagram post in tribute. It read: ‘I want to thank you for everything you taught me. Know that I will always stand with you if you need me.’
