Manchester United prepare to face Erik ten Hag after decision to sign Antony

Manchester United are reportedly willing to let Antony leave on loan this summer, provided interested clubs are willing to cover his wages.

The 24-year-old Brazilian winger was a key signing for the Red Devils in the summer of 2022, following a strong bid by Erik ten Hag, who had previously worked closely with the player at Ajax.

However, two seasons on from his high-profile transfer, Antony has struggled to justify the $111m (£86m) fee United paid to bring him to the Premier League, and could now be set for a summer transfer.

According to ESPN, United are open to loaning Antony out this summer, providing any potential suitors are willing to cover his full $90,000 (£70,000) weekly wage.

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While United are willing to sanction a loan, previous reports suggested the club’s top brass were keen to cut their losses on Antony as part of plans for a summer clear-out.

United have already signed two players this summer, Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro, but are looking to further strengthen their squad. However, their limited transfer budget means they are looking to raise additional funds through player transfers, and there are other options for Ten Hag on the wing.

Although Antony was not among the handful of young stars that United reportedly consider unsaleable, a loan move would appear to be more likely for the winger. Despite Antony’s continued struggles on the pitch and a stinging reprimand from his boss last season, Erik ten Hag has unwaveringly backed the winger to find his form at United.

In February, Ten Hag expressed his confidence in Antony to the press, saying: “With Antony, I backed him for a long time. I know his skills, great skills, I know from the past that he is unstoppable, no defender can stop him because he is one of the fastest in the first 10 metres. When he plays that game, I am sure he will do well.

“He is resilient, he has character and he will fight. I support him and now he has to wait for his chance and, once he has it, he has to recover.”

Liverpool.com says: Antony arrived at Old Trafford with a big reputation and a big budget, but he hasn’t done enough for United. His days look numbered and if Ten Hag manages to bring in another winger, the Brazilian’s opportunities will be further limited.