Man Utd dealt HUGE transfer blow in Antony replacement chase

Tom Weber

Updated: 12 Sep 2023 04:45 CDT
4 min read

Erik ten Hag, Manchester United — © ProShots

Erik ten Hag will not add another name to the ex-Ajax contingent at Manchester United, at least not until January.

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On Monday, news broke that the Red Devils were eyeing a surprise move for free-agent winger Anwar El Ghazi, formerly of Ajax and Aston Villa.

With Antony gone from the squad "until further notice" because of domestic abuse and assault allegations levelled at him by three women and Jadon Sancho likely not featuring anytime soon - or ever again - either because of his public spat with Ten Hag, the Manchester giants are not well-stocked out on the right wing.

READ: Man Utd eye SHOCK transfer for ANOTHER ex-Ajax star to replace Antony and Sancho

El Ghazi would represent a stopgap solution to the shortage of options out wide. His PSV contract was recently terminated by mutual consent - just a year after signing - which means that he can still be signed by clubs even though the transfer window has long since closed.

Now, however, it is being reported that El Ghazi won't be on his way to Old Trafford.

Man Utd's in-house solution

That's at least according to The Athletic, which reports that Man Utd are happy with the options they have at their disposal. The Red Devils decided not to pursue a deal for El Ghazi after a proposal made by his agents.

It is claimed that Ten Hag is convinced that youngsters Facundo Pellistri and Alejandro Garnacho can adequately deputise for Antony and Sancho out on the right, with Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes able to step in if needed too.

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Indeed, despite offers to depart on loan, Pellistri was kept around this summer because the Dutch boss believes that he will feature prominently even though he has only played 18 Premier League minutes thus far this season.

In fact, talks over a new deal for the 21-year-old are 'set to advance soon' according to Fabrizio Romano.