Manchester United are reportedly willing to offload Antony in the January transfer window in a desperate attempt to bolster their forward line. The winger has struggled since joining the Red Devils and a loan stint away could see him find the form that prompted the Red Devils to fork out £82million to acquire his services.
Erik ten Hag is starting to feel the heat in the Old Trafford dugout, with United looking far from a side that will push for the Premier League title or compete for silverware in other competitions. The Red Devils’ 1-0 win over Fulham on Saturday afternoon eased some pressure on the Dutch manager, though the performance lacked conviction.
Bruno Fernandes popped up with a 91st-minute winner to spare his side’s blushes at Craven Cottage, the Portuguese maestro’s third Premier League goal of the campaign. That makes him his side’s joint top scorer so far this season with Scott McTominay.
United’s lack of firepower in the final third is one of Ten Hag’s biggest concerns, and the ex-Ajax boss is hoping to tend to the issue in the January transfer window. According to The Mirror, the Red Devils have shortlisted Flamengo star Gabriel Barbosa as a top target and they are keen to strike a deal for his services as soon as possible.
The Brazilian is out of contract in 2024 and thus a fee in the region of £20m is likely to be enough for United to sign the 27-year-old. However, Ten Hag and co are keen to negotiate and they are ‘willing to offer’ Antony to Flamengo on loan until the end of the season.
The Brazilian side are keen to ‘take Antony off United’s hands’ following a disastrous start to the campaign that has seen him fail to score or assist in eight Premier League appearances. A permanent move away from the Theatre of Dreams, may that be to Flamengo or elsewhere, is described as ‘unlikely’ and he retains the faith of the higher powers at the club.
But it is of course Ten Hag that in his time of need, when United are struggling offensively, that he is ready to offload the player whatsoever.
