How Man Utd stopped Liverpool from HUGE Antony transfer

Suraj Radia

• 4 Nov 2023 13:34 GMT
• 3 min read

Antony could go down as one of the biggest flops in Premier League history after joining Manchester United last summer and it is Liverpool who are perhaps breathing a sigh of relief from the transfer.

The Brazilian has failed to make a significant impact on the pitch since £82 million move, having collected more Premier League bookings (seven) in 32 games than goal involvements (six) for Erik ten Hag’s side.

Ten Hag had been desperate to bring in his former Ajax star during his first summer at Old Trafford but Antony has failed to register any goals or assists this season and was embroiled controversy after being hit with accusations of assault in his native Brazil, leading to a period of absence earlier in the season.

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United could be having regrets over their eyewatering outlay on Antony but the 23-year-old was reportedly also wanted by Liverpool prior to his big money transfer last year.

A report from the Metro from July 2022, which was aggregated by Liverpool’s official site, claimed that Jurgen Klopp’s side held talks with Antony’s agent as well as Ajax.

Liverpool’s interest was described as ‘strong’ but they ultimately failed to take their interest further after depleting most their resources by signing Darwin Nunez for £85m.

United’s toothless attack summed up by Antony

Antony’s dismal performances have been a huge cause of frustrations for United, particularly with the winger still being a favourite of Ten Hag despite his lack of output.

United have struggled in attack this season, with Marcus Rashford’s one goal in ten games the only time one of their forwards have netted in the Premier League.

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Rasmus Hojlund has also failed to score in his first seven league games despite netting three times in the Champions League, while Anthony Martial and Facundo Pellestri have also been barren during their limited game time.

Antony’s poor form has also led to calls for Ten Hag to reintegrate Jadon Sancho back into United’s team, with the England star having been exiled from the squad since his fallout with the manager in August.