Is he worth the money? How can United afford it? All this and more revealed
Manchester United are prepared to make Antony their biggest signing of the summer after re-allocating funds set aside for Frankie de Jong. The Brazil winger could cost £84million if Ajax holds out for their full valuation – dwarfing the £60million spent on Casemiro.
It would also make Antony the second most expensive player in the club’s history – surpassing Harry Maguire and leaving him behind only £89million Paul Pogba on the list of United’s record buys.
But why is Erik ten Hag so determined to be reunited with the forward, who he worked with at Ajax, and how has he convinced the club to spend so much money to bring him to Old Trafford?
Why does United want him?
Quite simply, the 22-year-old is a game-changer – and a player Ten Hag believes is some way from reaching his full potential.
Brazil coach, Tite, has even likened him to Neymar in terms of his skillset – and in two years in the Netherlands, he showcased his box of tricks to be a key player in Ajax’s back-to-back titles in his time there.
He is not yet a prolific goal-scorer, with 21 in 74 appearances, but has the ability to unlock defences with his dazzlingly quick feet and direct style.
Is he worth the money?
Only time will tell – but Ten Hag knows him well and is prepared to stake his own reputation on his judgement being proved right.
Gary Neville has called the Dutch market an imprecise one – and United have paid the price for that in the past.
While Jaap Stam and Ruud van Nistelrooy were huge successes after swapping the Netherlands for England, Memphis Depay struggled after his high-profile move from PSV Eindhoven.
But the major advantage United have is the fact Ten Hag has worked so closely with Antony in the recent past. He has identified the qualities he believes can be transferred to the Premier League – and has no doubts about his temperament and whether he can handle the pressure of such a big move.
But there are no guarantees.
If Ten Hag is right, the belief within Old Trafford is that his value will soar in the coming years.
Is he the top choice?
United’s transfer plans have shifted wildly this summer – particularly in terms of their attacking targets.
Darwin Nunez was the striker they hoped to land during this window, with interest in the Uruguayan pre-dating Ten Hag’s appointment.
But they pulled out of that pursuit in the face of competition from Liverpool, preferring to avoid a bidding war.
While it also quickly became clear the player favoured a move to Anfield, it is fair to say he was not considered a priority by Ten Hag.
It’s notable that attention almost immediately switched to Antony – and but for Ajax’s determination to drive up his price, a deal would have been reached much sooner.
United have since looked at deals for Benjamin Sesko, Marko Arnautovic and Cody Gakpo – but Antony has long been Ten Hag’s preferred forward – arguably even ahead of Nunez.
Where is the money coming from?
A consequence of Ten Hag prioritising De Jong meant the bulk of his budget had to be put aside for the Barcelona midfielder. Other big moves had to be put on hold, which is why United broadened their search for forwards, with cheaper options identified in the event of securing a deal for De Jong.
The signing of Casemiro has freed up funds, but United have also looked at other ways to stretch its budget.
While the departures of Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani, Juan Mata, Nemanja Matic and Jesse Lingard may have been as free agents, they have massively reduced annual outgoings on wages.
That has given United more room for manoeuvre, as well as loan moves for Dean Henderson, Alex Telles and Eric Bailly, which will see their salaries covered in full.
Andreas Pereira’s move to Fulham brought in £10 million – and United remain hopeful of clearing out more players before the window closes, with James Garner potentially raising another £14 million amid interest from Brighton, Leicester and Everton.
What impact does this have on others at United?
Antony will immediately come in and challenge Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho for one of the two wide positions.
Ten Hag mainly used him on the right at Ajax, but he is capable of playing either side.
His arrival will give United’s manager more freedom to move Rashford into a central position, which he trialled successfully against Liverpool on Monday.
The ongoing uncertainty surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo has forced Ten Hag to consider his options up front.
He sees Rashford as being able to compete with Anthony Martial at centre forward if Ronaldo goes.
That is why he has been so intent on bringing in Antony, rather than a direct replacement for Ronaldo because he believes there is enough versatility in his attacking department.
He has been particularly pleased with Sancho’s response to his methods, so it is unlikely the England international will be displaced.
What about Ronaldo?
United have been wavering over their initial stance that Ronaldo is not for sale.
Antony’s arrival could leave them even more open to the prospect of the 37-year-old departing.
While Ten Hag has always maintained the Portuguese legend is in his plans – and capable of fitting into his system – it was notable how much more fluid United was in his absence against Liverpool.
The big question is whether a suitor will come forward before the window closes.
Removing his wages, on top of a fee, would also go a long way to helping cover his costs of Antony.
