Why Man Utd could be making a mistake with 'dirty' Antony

Suraj Radia

18 Aug 2022 04:00 BST
3 min read

Manchester United are set to return with a new approach for Ajax winger Antony, however they could be making a mistake in signing a dirty player who is not at the level they need.

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That is the view of Dutch legend Marco van Basten, who was speaking about the Brazilian and believes that, while talented, the player's finishing and ball retention leaves much to be desired.

“I don’t think he has such a good shot," Van Basten said. "He is a good player, without a doubt, and I hope he does very well, but I still think he still plays dirty too often and loses the ball."

Erik ten Hag had identified Antony as a primary target upon his arrival at Old Trafford and the two clubs were in negotiations over a deal worth €70 million.

However, United's indecisiveness saw Ajax raise the asking price to €100m as they were not keen on further dismantling their squad after selling a host of first team players.

But reports have suggested United may go back in for the 22-year-old after their dismal start to the new season, which sees the club bottom of the Premier League for the first time in 30 years.

Antony, meanwhile, has started the new season in hot form, with two assists in the league and scoring in the Super Cup against PSV as well as in a 6-1 win against FC Gronigen.

Is Antony the answer to United's problems?

United have been desperate to sign at least one forward this summer but the club have only signed two defenders and a midfielder, while they could still lose Cristiano Ronaldo before the transfer window closes.

The club have struggled to secure their preferred targets and have missed out on a host of players, leaving the injured Anthony Martial, an out-of-form Marcus Rashford and a want-away Ronaldo as their only striking options.

Out wide the club are reliant on Jadon Sancho as their only established winger, with youngsters Anthony Elanga, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo still not ready to be first team starters.

🗣️ "A massive offer will be presented to Ajax at some point this week"

Manchester United remain interested in Ajax forward Antony with a new bid expected in the coming days 🔴 pic.twitter.com/ZeMTgHNWL2
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 17, 2022

Antony has scored 18 goals in 57 games for Ajax since signing for them in 2020 and the player maintains a good relationship with Ten Hag, although United have some concern over signing more players from the Dutch league.

The club could end up paying a massive fee for a player that they could have signed for significantly less earlier in the window, highlighing how poor of a summer United have had.