British media said last week that Manchester United were interested in loaning Brazil winger Antony, but the €100 million agent's agent stated that the player would not leave in the summer window and that he wanted to stay to prove himself. In fact, it is indeed difficult for the Red Devils to find a home for Antony, and the transfer fee is secondary, the key is that his £200,000 weekly salary is surprisingly high.
ESPN claims that United will agree to loan Antony as long as the club pays £70,000 a week. However, £70,000 is also a high amount, and is already the highest salary level for many teams.
Antony has been with United for two years, but has been playing worse and worse every year. This has led many fans to want to purge him, and the club has such thoughts. However, he himself does not see it that way, with agent Júnior · Pedrosso saying: "I have seen reports that he could be sent out on loan, but Antony's plan is clear: Manchester United. He wants to stay, he's only focused on Manchester United, we've already spoken to the club.'
The 24-year-old Brazil winger's biggest asset to stay at Manchester United is manager Ten Hag. The coach who strongly advocated signing Anthony naturally hopes that Love will be able to counterattack so that his judgment will no longer be criticized. Last week, Ten Hag was in support of Antony, saying: "I still believe Antony has the potential to play at the club. He certainly showed that potential in his first month on the move, scoring in three consecutive games. Since then, it's been more difficult, and last season was even worse."
Last season, Antony made 29 appearances for United in the Premier League, starting just 15 times and scoring just one goal. Ten Hag stresses that Antony's transfer price is not a matter for him to decide: "I didn't go over the budget, I didn't have a budget, and at Manchester United the budget is the responsibility of the owner and the management."
Anthony himself insisted that he was satisfied with his performance. "I'm very happy with my form, I'm working really hard every day, I've been training hard for months, so I'm very happy with myself and I want to improve every game. I know there's a lot more that could be improved, and I'm already working on that. I'm glad to see that I'm getting better and better every game."
Antony missed United's first two warm-up games this summer due to injury, while one of his rivals, Jadon Sancho, has returned. Referring to his quarrel with the 24-year-old England winger for €80 million last season, Ten Hag says it's a thing of the past. 'We had a good conversation, everybody makes mistakes and if the players react well, you put an end to it.' Ten Hag said: 'The club needs good players and one thing is for sure, Sancho is a good player. I hope we will continue to work together and he will contribute to the success of Manchester United."
Ivory Coast winger Amad · Diallo, who scored a goal against Glasger Rangers, is expected by Ten Hag to be the star of the new season. Mr. 40 million has only one year left on his contract, with whom the club will negotiate a renewal in the coming months. As a result, United have a surplus of wingers, with Marcus Rashford, Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Diallo vying for two starting places.
Uruguay international Facundo · Pellistri is in danger of leaving, having spent last season on loan at La Liga side Granada. At this summer's Copa America, he had a good performance, setting a record for the youngest Uruguay player to score in the last nine years at the age of 22 years and 190 days, so he also attracted some buyers. Greece's Panathinaikos are said to have opened talks with Manchester United and have made significant progress. In addition, La Liga promotion side Valladolid are also interested in the 22-year-old and could join the fray.
Manchester United spent €10 million to sign Pellistri and are hoping to recoup the fee. Panathinaix wants to rent before buying, and the Greece league is naturally not Pep's first choice, but he also remains open and may be persuaded to join.