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Ineos’ performance in this transfer window so far is proof positive, if ever Manchester United fans needed it, of how inept the previous club administrators were.
The new part owners have refused to pay over the odds for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, landed two of Europe’s top young talents and sold three players, all within six weeks.
With Manuel Ugarte and Ferdi Kadioglu both linked with the club and the likes of Casemiro, Scott McTominay, Victor Lindelof, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Hannibal all likely to follow Mason Greenwood, Willy Kambwala and Donny van de Beek out of the door – not to mention with Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial already having left – the changes to the squad this summer are heading to be nothing short of an overhaul.
One name that has not been mentioned much is that of Antony, who joined United for €95 million two years ago and who has, for the most part, spectacularly failed to live up to expectations.
Of course, United would have to take a massive hit if they were to try to sell the Brazilian so if they don’t want to gamble on another season of disappointment, it would make sense for them to arrange a loan deal, where he could potentially find his feet and regain some credibility and financial value in the football world.
A new report from ESPN claims that United are doing just that.
Reporter Mark Ogden writes simply that “misfiring forward Antony will be allowed to leave on loan if a club is prepared to cover his £70,000-a-week salary,” news that will please the large section of United fans who are frustrated with the player’s progress.
Antony lost his place on the right wing at the end of last season to Amad Diallo. At times, Alejandro Garnacho was also moved across from the left, with Marcus Rashford occupying that flank. This would suggest that Antony was manager Erik ten Hag’s fourth choice winger at the end of 2023/24.
His importance might now even be about to sink even further. Jadon Sancho’s return from exile and rapprochement with Ten Hag gives the manager yet another wing option and based on last season’s form, Sancho is likely to be well ahead of Antony in the pecking order.
There is also Facundo Pellistri, although his rotten form on loan at Granada last season and poor performances for Uruguay in the Copa America could have put paid to his chances of staying at Old Trafford and competing for a place.
Ogden’s claim about Antony therefore makes perfect sense, apart from one small detail: Antony’s salary.
According to capology.com, the Brazilian is in fact earning £200,000 per week, not £70,000. This is partially corroborated by spotrac.com, who quote his salary at $200,000 US Dollars, or £155,000.
Even taking the lower of these two figures, it is hard to know where Ogden gets his £70,000 from and it is a crucial issue because it seems highly unlikely that any club would agree to pay upwards of £150,000 for the 22 year old’s wages right now.
Of course, United could agree to pay half or more of the salary, but with a tight budget, this may be a luxury they could not afford.
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