Man Utd target Antony misses Ajax training

FT Desk

Updated: 21 Aug 2022 05:38 CDT
3 min read

Manchester United target Antony will miss Ajax's meeting with Sparta Rotterdam on Sunday after refusing to train on Friday and Saturday.

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Antony is Erik ten Hag's top transfer target at Old Trafford, but the Red Devils have so far been put off by the Brazil winger's €100 million asking price.

Antony previously won the Dutch domestic double under Ten Hag in 2021, and the two maintain a close relationship.

The 22-year-old did not take part in team training on Friday, instead making for the weights room. After missing Saturday's final session, he was asked outright by Dutch journalist Mike Verweij about his future.

That Ten Hag and Antony connection 🤯pic.twitter.com/Z2LnrAPkvm
— Football Transfers (@Transfersdotcom) August 21, 2022

"To get straight to the point: can you reassure the fans and say that you will also be wearing the Ajax shirt after 1 September 1?" he questioned.

'In God's hands'

"No, to be quite honest I can't," was Antony's reply. "What I can say is that I want to come to the right decision with my family, agents and Ajax, which is good for everyone. Ultimately, God determines my future."

Whilst that reads as positive encouragement to Man Utd fans, Antony stopped short of demanding a transfer to Old Trafford, at least publicly.

"No, no, no!" he said when asked if he would be disappointed if no transfer materialises this summer. "I'm very happy at Ajax, I have a contract until the summer of 2025 and will give everything for this wonderful club every second.

"I've worn the shirt with pride and from day one I feel at home. If we all decide that I stay here, I know it's the best thing for me and the club. It's not like I have to leave."

Antony will be replaced by former Tottenham Hotspur man Steven Bergwijn - who made a €31.25m move to Amsterdam in July - in the starting line-up against Sparta.