Man Utd outcast Antony left in no man’s land as doubts emerge over Ajax return

Antony has fallen down the pecking order at Manchester United over the past 12 months, and his stock has fallen so much that his former club, Ajax, now have doubts over re-signing him

Ajax are said to have floated the idea of bringing Antony back to the club from Manchester United, but there are concerns over the winger’s mindset.

The Brazil international, 24, flourished under Erik ten Hag in Amsterdam and was quickly identified as one of United’s top transfer targets after the Dutchman took over at Old Trafford back in the summer of 2022.

Ten Hag finally got his man after months of speculation in a deal worth an initial £82million. But Antony has struggled to live up to expectations at Old Trafford and is now behind the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Amad in the Manchester United pecking order.

Various reports have outlined that United are open to offloading Antony in the wake of his struggles and a return to Ajax has been touted – but Dutch outlet De Telegraaf claim there are doubts within the hierarchy over such a deal.

A reporter revealed the dilemma, saying: “Within Ajax, there is also some doubt about bringing Antony back, if that possibility arises. There is internal discussion about that.”

United are thought to want to recoup around £40m from any sale should Antony be able to find a new club in January. But his failure to live up to his potential has raised concerns at Ajax, even if there is an acceptance he would thrive back in the Eredivisie.

The reporter added: “If Antony returns to the Eredivisie, he would also feel like he is in a children’s paradise. At Ajax, the thought is whether they should bring in a Brazilian who did not make it at Manchester United and is therefore also quite sad. I do think it would be a good decision.”

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Antony has played just 27 minutes of Premier League football for United this season as others continue to impress ahead of him. He was an unused substitute in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Brentford: a fixture which was crucial for Ten Hag given the scrutiny that has grown on him in recent weeks.

In total, Antony has netted just 12 times in 86 appearances since joining United. He did score in his only start this season for the Red Devils in their 7-0 win over third-tier Barnsley in the Carabao Cup.

United return to action in midweek with a trip to Fenerbahce in the Europa League. They then travel to West Ham on Sunday.

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