According to rumors, Manchester United intends to sign a second forward even if they are able to get Antony from Ajax. Erik ten Hag, who formerly handled the Brazil international in Amsterdam, is eager to rejoin him. Despite the complexity, the Red Devils might still sign Cody Gako and Christian Pulisic.
Manchester United has had a horrible start to the new Premier League season, being outplayed and outrun by Brighton and Brentford.
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And they’re now working hard to bring in more new faces, having agreed to sign Casemiro as well as Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez, and Christian Eriksen.
United have already had a large deal for Antony rejected, but they are unfazed. The attacker himself is eager to join and has publicly refused to dismiss the possibility of leaving Ajax before the transfer window closes on September 1.
According to 90min, if United is successful in bringing the 22-year-old to Old Trafford, they intend to sign a second forward.
The Red Devils know they need more firepower, especially with Edinson Cavani gone and Mason Greenwood still unable for selection.
And both Gakpo and Pulisic are on their radar.
Gakpo is regarded as one of the greatest future talents in Dutch football, having scored 12 goals and registered 12 assists in the Eredivisie last season.
United is reportedly poised to launch a £34 million deal for the 23-year-old in the hope that it would be accepted.
The Red Devils last visited PSV Eindhoven in the summer of 2015, when they signed Memphis Depay, beating out Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain to his signature.
And United may go all out for Gakpo in order to avoid losing him to a domestic or European competitor.
The Red Devils admire Pulisic, who was linked with a move when Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho ruled the roost at Old Trafford.
His long-term future at Chelsea is uncertain, as he has struggled for consistent game time at Stamford Bridge in recent months.
And United have taken two Blues players off their books in the last decade, so a deal isn’t out of the question.
Juan Mata joined United from Chelsea in the January transfer window of 2014, with David Moyes bringing him in in a desperate bid to keep his job.
United then signed Nemanja Matic from Chelsea in 2017, after Mourinho missed out on Tottenham’s Eric Dier.
Meanwhile, Antony has spoken out about Ten Hag and United’s terrible start to the season under the 52-year-old.
And he’s supported his old coach to get his players back on track, telling De Telegraaf: “Erik has been incredibly important to me.”
“I am grateful to him and wish him the best of luck.” After working so closely with Erik, I will always root for him.
“I haven’t been able to applaud or cheer for him because he hasn’t yet received any points.” I couldn’t until now, which makes me sad.
“However, knowing Erik, I am confident that he will quickly turn the tide.” Manchester United will benefit from his expertise.
“At past clubs, he has demonstrated that his way works.”
When asked if he could dedicate his future to Ajax, he replied, “No.” I can’t, to be honest. I can say that I want to make the best option possible in collaboration with my family, agents, and Ajax.”
Meanwhile, Paul Merson believes Antony is not an upgrade over United’s current attacking line.
“They brag about Antony, but he’s no better than Marcus Rashford or Jadon Sancho, despite the fact that he hasn’t done much since signing,” he remarked.
“You’d be buying someone who has played against below-average fullbacks.”
