Antony facing AXE as Man Utd target ex-Real Madrid wonderkid

Suraj Radia

• 20 Dec 2023 16:00 CST
• 3 min read

Manchester United are already considering replacing Antony after his disappointing start to life at Old Trafford, with Erik ten Hag’s side eyeing up a move for former Real Madrid wonderkid Takefusa Kubo instead.

Antony has struggled to live up to his pricetag since his €95 million transfer last summer, with the 23-year-old failing to provide a goal or assist in 18 games this season.

The forward has only grabbed eight goals and three assists in 62 games across all competitions and Ten Hag has proven loyal to his former Ajax star, however United’s patience appears to be running thin.

The Sun has reported that United have sent scouts to watch Kubo for Real Sociedad on at least seven occasions this season, with the 22-year-old in sensational form for the La Liga side.

Kubo has grabbed six goals and three assists in 14 starts for Sociedad this year, having provided 13 goal contributions last season after joining the club from Real for €6.5 million.

The Japanese international has a deal until 2027 with Soceidad but there is rumoured to be a release clause worth around €60m in his contract, although Madrid are also believed to have a buy-back clause for half that amount.

What are United’s plans for January?

United have insisted they are unlikely to make any significant signings in January given the club’s financial fair plays restrictions, having spent more than €200m in the summer.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s partial takeover the club is due to be confirmed in the coming weeks but his arrival is not believed to have significant implications to United’s January plans.

Instead, United will only consider making major signings if they can sell players, with Jadon Sancho still on the transfer list, while Donny van de Beek is close to sealing a loan move to Frankfurt.

Raphael Varane and Casemiro also face uncertain futures at the club and could attract interest from Saudi Arabia, although Ten Hag is keen to keep hold of the duo until the summer unless he can sign replacements.