Flamengo’s vice president was quick to rubbish suggestions that Manchester United could sign Gabriel Barbosa in a swap deal this winter.
The Mirror ran a far-fetched report at the weekend suggesting United would attempt to sign Barbosa by offering Antony on loan for the remainder of the season.
However, Flamengo chief Marco Braz has denied the speculation.
When asked about the rumours by O Globo, Braz said: “Zero chance.”
The report comes at a time when the pressure is rising for Antony because he hasn’t pulled up trees since his mega money move from Ajax to United.
However, I don’t think Erik ten Hag is prepared to give up on Antony just yet.
The manager admitted recently that he knows Antony can do better on the pitch, saying (via Daily Mail): “There is also the team, first, the team is not playing well, when they don’t bring him the balls, again, I’m also responsible for that.
“But, obviously, also, there’s a lot of noise and that dropped his levels. He can do better, but all the players can do better.
“Antony is also a fighter, he has the confidence, he is brave, I am confident he will bring the performance that [shows] he is the right player for us.”
Barbosa previously spent time in Europe at Inter Milan but it didn’t quite work out, and he returned to Brazil.
The Brazilian has one year left to run on his contract at Flamengo, but it doesn’t sound like there will be any exchange deals involving United.
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