Manchester United are reportedly considering the possibility of sending Brazilian winger Antony out on loan in the upcoming January transfer window, with a permanent transfer potentially following in the summer. Antony, who joined the club in the summer of 2022 for a significant fee of up to £86 million, has struggled to meet the high expectations set for him and has seen his playing time diminish under manager Erik ten Hag this season.
When Antony moved to Manchester United, there was considerable excitement due to his previous connection with Ten Hag, whom he worked with during their time together at Ajax. The Dutch manager was a key advocate for the transfer, believing that Antony’s talents could enhance United’s attacking options. However, despite Ten Hag’s support, the decision to bring Antony to Old Trafford was not solely his. Manchester United reached an agreement with Ajax for £82 million in guaranteed payments, making Antony one of the club’s most expensive signings in history.
Interestingly, scouting reports made during the tenure of previous manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had placed Antony’s value at a more modest £25 million. At the time, the club was hesitant to pay more than £60 million for the winger. Despite this, the deal was eventually completed, cementing Antony as a high-profile addition to United’s squad.
Since his arrival, however, Antony has struggled to consistently produce the performances expected of him. Although he initially showed flashes of his potential, he has failed to make a sustained impact. His diminished role in the team has been made more apparent this season, as several other players have emerged as stronger contenders for the wide attacking positions. Players such as Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Amad Diallo have often been preferred over Antony, relegating him further down the pecking order.
Compounding Antony’s situation is the departure of fellow attackers like Jadon Sancho, Omari Forson, and Facundo Pellistri, who were expected to compete for similar roles. Despite these exits, Antony has not been able to secure more playing time. This season, he has managed to play only 139 minutes across all competitions, with his lone start coming in a Carabao Cup match against Barnsley.
These factors have led to growing speculation about his future at the club. Manchester United are reportedly exploring the option of sending Antony on loan in January to allow him to gain regular playing time and potentially rediscover his form and confidence. This move would give the club time to evaluate whether Antony can still fit into their long-term plans or if a permanent transfer is the better option, allowing them to recoup some of the significant investment made in him.