Manchester United are on the verge of completing their fifth signing of the summer as Ajax winger Antony finally looks set to join the club after an agreement was struck with the Amsterdam club.
Antony has been the subject of interest from United all summer but Ajax have been adamant they are not willing to sell. The 22-year-old went on strike last week in a bid to force the move and if reports are to be believed, his efforts have worked.
The nine-time Brazil international was spotted walking into Carrington on Monday evening and there have been suggestions that he could even be registered in time to play against Leicester on Thursday.
United were light in the attacking areas going into the summer but should Ronaldo stay beyond Thursday’s deadline, Erik ten Hag could have a selection issue on his hands.
Leading transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now revealed how the Dutchman is planning to use all of his forwards, with Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Anthony Martial and Anthony Elanga also hoping to feature regularly.
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“Now that a deal to sign Antony from Ajax is about to be officially announced, Manchester United have a really, really good attack,” Romano wrote on CaughtOffside.
“Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Jadon Sancho, Antony and of course, Cristiano Ronaldo… But five does not go into three. Keep an eye on Ronaldo until the end of the window
“Let’s see what happens, but when it comes to Antony, Erik ten Hag views him as a regular starter but has already told Manchester United’s attackers that he will frequently rotate.”
SN’s verdict…
Signing a winger and/or attacker was crucial this summer. There is little clarity on Mason Greenwood’s situation, Martial’s injury record is getting worse every year and no one quite knows if Ronaldo will be staying or not.
In Antony, Ten Hag is signing a player he knows very well and vice versa. The Dutchman’s policy of rotating his squad also extends to the defenders, with Harry Maguire set to play a vital role this season despite being dropped for the last two games.
Now, United are fans are eager to see Antony in action for the first time and it remains to be seen whether that’s against Leicester on Thursday or against Arsenal on Sunday.
Well, that didn’t actually say anything at all. This Romano chap seems to be desperate to carve himself as some kind of ‘transfer guru’ but is more like Captain Obvious. Money for old rope update with his newly formed….here we go tagline. Good stuff, if that keeps you happy Romano.