Man United Close in on Ajax Winger Antony as Officials Arrive In Holland

Antony, Man United, Manchester United, Ajax

Man United officials have flown to Amsterdam to finalise the deal for Ajax winger Antony, according to latest reports. The 22-year-old winger was one of the key players for Erik ten Hag during his time at Ajax. The Brazilian has become one of the most sought-after players in the current transfer market and the Red Devils look to be the favourites to sign him.

Antony scored 12 goals while assisting 10 times in 32 appearances for Ajax across all competitions during the 21/22 season (stats via Transfermarkt). He still has a contract with the Dutch club till 2025 but a move to Old Trafford could be a step up in his career. The combination of Ten Hag and the winger helped Ajax win the Eredivisie for the second consecutive year.

Manchester United, Antony, Ajax — Image obtained via United In Focus

The summer transfer window is very crucial for the Red Devils. They had one of their poorest seasons in decades and have a lot of work to do. One of their objectives includes improving the right-hand side of the pitch. United have been without an out-and-out right winger for the past few years and Antony could solve that problem.

According to Mirror, Man United chiefs have travelled to Amsterdam to complete the move for Antony. The Red Devils are willing to pay £40 million for the Brazilian and make him the first signing of the Erik ten Hag era. Having the Dutchman as the manager has accelerated the process as both the player and the manager know each other well.

Moreover, in a fresh boost, the Brazilian winger has decided to rejoin with the Dutch manager. As reported by Goal, the player is determined to move to Old Trafford this summer and is willing to push through a deal.

Manchester United officials arrive in Amsterdam to complete signing of Antony ✍️ pic.twitter.com/Nos36DEhY0

— SPORTbible (@sportbible) June 21, 2022

There are several other positions where United should strengthen. However, getting a player as good as Antony for the right-wing role is just as important. The Manchester club signed Jadon Sancho last summer to play as the right-winger but the England international has become more comfortable playing on the left.

Moreover, the loss of Mason Greenwood also has not helped United. Greenwood had been in scorching form in the 2021/22 season and had become a fixed name on the right-wing before he got indefinitely suspended.

Why Antony Could Be A Huge Success At Old Trafford?

Antony has all the qualities that a manager wants from his right-wingers. His left foot has been a dangerous weapon for Ten Hag and Ajax over the course of the past two seasons. He was one of the primary sources of chance creation in Ten Hag’s system as the Brazilian used the ‘Samba’ style of play to get past the opposition defenders.

The 22-year-old’s best attribute is his passing. He can play all kinds of passes with great ease. He can switch play, and play through balls. He is also capable of providing long passes or passing in tight areas. He is also very good at crossing the ball into the box which can help Cristiano Ronaldo score more goals.

The Brazilian likes to cut in with his left foot and has the ability to curl the ball directly into the net. His ability to hog the touchline will give United the required width on the pitch. Alternatively, the right-back can also combine with him on an overlap and put in a dangerous cross or cut back for a midfielder. In addition, Antony’s unpredictability makes it difficult for the defenders to judge whether he will go for a shot or pass it to his teammate.

Signing Antony as a right-winger could be the best option for Man United. United have had very less creativity from the right side in the past few years. Therefore, signing him will make them equally dangerous from both sides.

He also likes to beat defenders in the traditional Brazilian way. That is exactly what we would like to see from a winger at Old Trafford. Man United should do everything in their power to make Antony the first signing of the club for the upcoming season.

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