MANCHESTER UNITED flop Antony has been linked with a return to Ajax but the Dutch giants are worried about the player’s mindset, reports suggest.
United signed the winger for a staggering £85.5million in 2022 after a stunning two-year stint in Amsterdam where he amassed 24 goals and 22 assists in 82 appearances.
However, the Brazil international failed to replicate his Ajax success at Old Trafford as he has only managed a mere total of 12 goals and five assists in 86 appearances.
Antony’s struggles continue this season as he has made only four appearances across all competitions, in which he scored once.
The Red Devils lost the likes of Jadon Sancho, Mason Greenwood and Omari Forson in the summer and the wideman is still fourth pick behind Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo.
United are considering ways to let the Brazilian go out on loan in January so that they can sell him in the summer.
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That has led to speculation suggesting Antony could return to Ajax in the January transfer window.
According to De Telegraaf, the Dutch club have discussed a potential move for the attacker.
However, the same source claims Ajax have doubts about the state of Antony’s mindset after his struggles in Manchester.
United are reportedly looking to sell for a cut price of around £40m.
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However, even that sum might prove to be impossible after a series of disappointing performances on the pitch.
United boss Erik ten Hag, who brought Antony to Old Trafford after working with him at Ajax, addressed his situation and insisted he needs to do more to get more gametime.
Ten Hag said: “He’s impatient, he wants to play. But in top football there are laws.
“You pick the team that has most chance to win the game, the one with the best dynamic, the best chemistry. Players have to fight for their positions.
“The other players are doing so well – they’re contributing. He has to get over them. He has to earn the right in training.”
Man Utd player ratings vs Brentford
By Neil Custis
MANCHESTER UNITED produced a rousing comeback to beat Brentford at Old Trafford.
Goals by Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund cancelled out Ethan Pinnock’s first-half opener.
The Red Devils’ win will ease pressure on beleaguered boss Erik ten Hag, who this week defiantly blasted reports that he is on the verge of the sack.
On a crucial afternoon for Ten Hag and Co, here’s how SunSport rated each United performer.
ANDRE ONANA – 6
Did not have much to do for a lot of the game but pulled out a good first-half save to deny Christian Norgaard.
DIOGO DALOT – 6
Good display from right-back and almost capped it with a goal when he stormed forward only to have his effort beaten away by Mark Flekken.
MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6
At the centre of the controversy in first-half injury time as he had to leave the field with a bleeding head wound when Brentford scored from a corner. He was already looking suspect, as was the bandage that was put on his head early in the game in the first place.
JONNY EVANS – 7
Continuing an amazing end to his career at Old Trafford. Man of the Match last time out in the goalless draw at Aston Villa and looked solid again. Great ovation when he came off towards the end.
LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7
Shifted to an unaccustomed left-back spot but without problems and was particularly good getting forward down the flank.
CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 6
Chosen alongside Casemiro instead of new buy Manuel Ugarte who was on the bench again, but struggled to get into this game although he was involved for Hojlund’s goal. Thankful for the referee’s whistle in the first period calling play back for a foul after missing a sitter.
CASEMIRO – 5
Looked like he was off in the summer but back in the team although looking to be missing a yard and often beaten to the ball.
MARCUS RASHFORD – 7
Does not operate as well on the right but Garnacho was so good down the left. Highlight of his first half was an incredible crossfield ball from right to left to set up Garnacho. Then in the second he provided the assist for Garnacho’s leveller.
BRUNO FERNANDES – 7
Tried to orchestrate something from midfield but looked a frustrated figure in the first period. Then he showed his class after the break with that great little flick to set up Hojlund for his goal.
ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 8
Had an all action first half after switching from the right to the left but wasted too many chances. Made up for it in the second with a fine finish from Rashford’s cross in a Man of the Match performance.
RASMUS HOJLUND – 7
After getting one in Porto to open his season’s account he is now off and running with his first league goal of the campaign. A cool, clever chipped little finish it was too. The hope will be that starts a much needed run of goals but he needs to see more of the ball.
SUBSTITUTES
Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 74) – 5
Strange change to make after Hojlund had just scored. His replacement fluffed the one half chance he had.
Victor Lindelof (for Evans, 89) – 6
A change that largely gave the fans a chance to acclaim Evans’ performance.
Manuel Ugarte (for Casemiro, 88) – 6
A change that probably should have come earlier.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
