Manchester United are prepared to offload £86million signing Antony in the January transfer window, with the club willing to consider both permanent transfers and loan deals for the Brazilian winger.
The 24-year-old, who joined from Ajax in 2022, has fallen out of favour at Old Trafford following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal last month.
United executives are eager to part ways with the £200,000-a-week star, with new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe keen to remove him from the wage bill.
The decision comes amid reports that Antony has become a disruptive presence within the squad.
Antony’s stint at Manchester United has been marked by disappointing performances, with just 12 goals and five assists in 87 appearances since his arrival.
The Brazilian has made only five appearances in all competitions this season, slipping down the pecking order even before Ten Hag’s departure.
Antony has already fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford
Reuters
Former manager Ten Hag had raised concerns about the player’s attitude in training prior to his own dismissal.
These statistics and behavioural issues have led to Antony being widely regarded as one of United’s worst-ever signings.
New manager Ruben Amorim has identified Portuguese prodigy Geovany Quenda as his preferred replacement for Antony at Old Trafford.
Quenda, 17, has emerged as one of Europe’s most promising talents since being promoted to Sporting’s senior squad by Amorim this season.
The versatile winger has delivered several impressive performances as an inverted right-wing-back, recently earning his first call-up to the Portugal senior squad.
Amorim is reportedly a strong admirer of the youngster and believes he has the potential to be a huge success at Manchester United.
The Portuguese manager is keen to reunite with his former player as part of his rebuild at Old Trafford.
Quenda has recently appointed Jorge Mendes, who also represents Cristiano Ronaldo, as his agent, fuelling speculation about a potential high-profile transfer.
Geovany Quenda has quickly become a top target at United
Reuters
Meanwhile, Amorim conducted his first training session at United’s Carrington training ground on Monday.
The Portuguese manager, who recently obtained his work visa, has been working with a limited squad due to the international break.
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Ruben Amorim has already made up his mind on Antony
Reuters
“I think you will see an idea. You could like it or not, I don’t know, but you will see an idea,” Amorim told club media ahead of Sunday’s match against Ipswich Town.
The new United boss will have limited preparation time with his full squad before the weekend fixture.