Manchester United are interested in securing a deal for Ajax’s Brazilian winger; Antony.
Though, the move could be dependent on the appointment of Erik ten Hag, who has overseen the development of the £31.5m-rated Brazilian over the last two seasons.
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Ajax manager ten Hag who has been at the Amsterdam side since 2017 is reportedly the leading contender to be named as Ralf Rangnick’s successor after United interviewed him over the vacancy.
In the two seasons that he was worked with 22-year-old winger Antony, the Brazilian has improved on his end product number no end, having chipped in with a respectable 12 goal contributions in 23 appearances for Ajax in the Eredivisie this season so far.
Erik ten Hag is reportedly keen on a move to Old Trafford, which would elevate the hopes among the Manchester United faithful of acquiring the Brazilian starlet.
Though the Red Devils have also been linked with PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino and Spain National Team manager Luis Enrique.
United’s new Rashford
With or without the appointment of ten Hag, United should be looking at the young Brazilian, particularly bearing in mind Rashford’s fall from grace this season, United would surely welcome the astute left-footed winger an as attacking option.
Tactically speaking, the signing of Antony would complement United’s ongoing ambition of achieving a high possession brand of football.
The wingers are highly important in the 4-2-3-1 of which Ralf Rangnick has deployed this season on numerous occasions, though there are arguments to be made as to whether the German interim manager is getting the most out of his wide-men.
Think of the way that Pep Guardiola makes use of his wingers in order to achieve a mass-possession playing style; he often ensures that his left-winger stays as wide as possible, whilst his right-winger, which is usually Riyad Mahrez, is instructed to occupy the half-space as he cuts inside and shoots time and again for the Citizens.
Of course, it’s the full-backs that give the wingers licence to play in this way, whilst the number of players involved in City’s attacking transition also plays a factor. Though the left-footed magician Mahrez is the enabler in City’s system, his inverted role is a pivotal part of Pep’s side.
The signing of Antony would give United a similar option, and so too would the appointment of Erik ten Hag.
They’d also find someone who in the words of Dutch pundit, Johan Derksen, would give defences “sleepless nights.”
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