Erik ten Hag ‘wants to bring Ajax winger Antony to Manchester United’ if he is appointed manager at Old Trafford this summer.
Ten Hag – one of the frontrunners to take over as United’s manager – is said to be keen in making the 22-year-old Brazilian one of his first acquisitions, according to reports.
Antony has attracted the attention of several prominent European clubs this season following a streak of outstanding performances for the Dutch side.
Liverpool and Bayern Munich have also been linked to the Brazilian, who has eight international caps to his name.
United are on the lookout for forward players as they anticipate losing striker Edinson Cavani in the summer, while Cristiano Ronaldo and Anthony Martial’s futures remain uncertain.
Marcus Rashford has also had a hard season at Old Trafford, prompting concerns over his future as he has just one year remaining on his contract at the end of current season.
Antony, who is predominantly a right-winger, has 12 goals and 10 assists in 33 Ajax appearances this season. He joined Ajax from Sao Paulo in 2020 for an initial €15.5 million.
Antony has been a key member of Ten Hag’s team and may follow the Dutchman out of the club if his present employer is appointed United manager.
Ten Hag is a sought man throughout Europe, as his contract with Ajax expires in 2023. Mauricio Pochettino, Luis Enrique, and Julen Lopetegui are also on United’s radar.
However, Louis van Gaal, who managed United from 2014 to 2016, has advised his colleague not to take the post, stressing that the club is more of a business than a football club.
Van Gaal – who was fired by United hours after winning the FA Cup in 2016 – advised his fellow Dutchman to seek employment elsewhere.
‘Erik ten Hag is an excellent manager, which benefits Manchester United, but Manchester United is a commercial club,’ Van Gaal stated. ‘I will not counsel him, but he should choose a football club rather than a commercial one.’