Manchester United have been strongly linked with a move for Ajax winger Antony this summer, with Erik ten Hag believed to be keen on a reunion with the tricky winger.
Antony was a mainstay in Ten Hag’s Ajax side last season and with United being light in that area, it’s been reported that the 22-year-old is keen on following his old manager to Old Trafford.
As things stand, United are focusing on a deal to bring Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong to the club but a move for Antony has not been ruled out.
Now, Brazil legend Rivaldo has commented on the rumours linking Antony with a move and has backed his countryman to succeed if he followed Ten Hag to United.
“Antony can do wonders at Manchester United and the World Cup. He enjoyed a fantastic 2021/22 season and I’m sure he attracted the attention of bigger clubs,” Rivaldo told Betfair, via The Mirror.
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“At the moment, Manchester United – who have his former manager Erik ten Hag – seems to be the closest club to signing him and I’m confident we’ll all enjoy watching him play at Old Trafford.
“He might benefit from playing at a bigger club to get closer to being a regular at the World Cup, though I also think his place in the squad is safe since Tite has been calling him up lately and has confidence in his qualities.”
SN’s verdict…
There’s no denying that Antony would add quality to a United side severely lacking it. Furthermore, United are not dangerous enough from wide areas and all three of the club’s wingers, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Anthony Elanga, prefer to play on the left side.
Antony is a specialist right-sided winger and all of Ten Hag’s successful teams have featured a right-sided winger with a strong left foot and vice versa on the opposite side.
The logic is there and you could understand why Ten Hag would want him. The only question is whether the budget for this summer stretches far enough for United to pursue this move. Raising money through sales might be the only way and as things stand, that’s not looking likely.
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