Dutch experts comment on Antony possibly leaving Manchester United for Ajax’s return

United were absolutely terrible and deservedly went into half-time 4-0 down. Erik ten Hag simply needed to bring in more signings after such a hammering in West London.

The money certainly exploded in the weeks after that defeat when Brazilian duo Casemiro and Antony arrived before the window slammed shut.

United agreed to pay up to £155 million for the two players, with Casemiro coming in for a maximum of £70 million and Antony for up to £85 million.

More than two years later, Antony appears to be one of the worst investments at United in recent history.

Dutch expert on the future of Antony

The Brazilian winger started so well, scoring three times in his first three games as a United player.

Antony has scored just two Premier League goals since then and his tally of three assists in 56 Premier League games is simply not good enough for a winger.

The 24-year-old now finds himself on the fringes after playing just 27 minutes in the Premier League this season.

Reports have suggested that United would now be willing to take around £40 million for Antony ahead of the January transfer window.

There have been suggestions in the Netherlands that a return to Ajax in January could make sense for all parties.

ESPN commentator Sjors Blaauw and pundit Anco Jansen have now discussed such a move, as quoted by FC Update in the Netherlands.

Jansen – a former Eredivisie striker in his playing days – suggested Antony would be a great signing for Ajax as he has been a ‘real spectacle’ for the club in the past.

However, Jansen noted that Ajax cannot really afford to buy Antony and wondered whether the club would really want to enter into a loan deal.

Blaauw added that he now feels Antony has suffered a loss of confidence at United, amid concerns he may not be able to repeat his previous performances.

“Do you want to hire such a player as Ajax? I don’t think you can take him over, because Ajax is not going to pay what they still ask for him,” said Jansen.

“In terms of quality, I would immediately say: Yes. It’s a completely different level than the Premier League and I thought it was a real spectacle here in the Netherlands. Only: will he still reach that level?”

“I think he has had a huge blow, when you are sold for so much money and you actually make such a big mistake that they now want to rent you to Ajax… I think that does a lot to a player mentally,” he added. Blaauw.

Antony certainly in the last chance salon

Erik ten Hag wanted United to sign Antony after the pair had worked together so successfully at Ajax.

United backed Ten Hag and spent a huge amount of money on Antony, but the deal simply didn’t work out.

Now struggling to get into action, Antony may be in the final stages of his United career.

Whether in January or next summer, Antony will definitely hit the road for his own good.

Sliding down the United States pecking order is not good for Antony and if there are no signs of a change in circumstances, a 2025 exit should be on everyone’s minds.

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