Man Utd have made ‘initial contact’ over £51m forward at Old Trafford | OneFootball

Manchester United have made ‘initial contact’ with Ajax over winger Antony, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

It’s been a slow start to the summer window for the Red Devils, who are yet to welcome any fresh faces to the club while several of their rivals have already strengthened.

What is the latest news involving Antony?

Antony arrived at Ajax from boyhood club Sao Paulo back in 2020 and flourished under the tutelage of Erik ten Hag, bagging 22 goals and 20 assists in 78 appearances over the last couple of campaigns.

And now the Brazil international could be reunited with his former mentor, who labelled him “top-class”, at Old Trafford as the Red Devils begin to step up their efforts in the transfer market.

Reliable reporter Fabrizio Romano recently claimed that although a formal offer hasn’t been made for Antony, United have a ‘genuine interest’ in him and internal discussions have taken place regarding the creative talent.

GOAL previously revealed that a fee of €60 million (£51m) is believed to be enough to prise the 22-year-old away from the Johan Cruijff ArenA, who has three years remaining on his contract.

Meanwhile, Sky Sports have stated that a ‘priority’ for United ahead of next term is to sign a forward who can play across the frontline, although not necessarily an ‘out-and-out number nine’.

What has Sheth said about Antony?

The Old Trafford outfit have also been linked with fellow Ajax player Jurrien Timber, but Sheth has disclosed it’s Antony who they have approached the Dutch giants for.

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He told GiveMeSport: “The interest that they do have is in another Ajax player, and you can see the theme here, in Antony, the Brazilian winger. So, I think there’s an interest there.

“There’s been initial contact with Ajax, and look, the relationship between Manchester United and Ajax is a very, very good one. They dealt with Donny van de Beek when he arrived a couple of summers ago.”

Should United fans be excited about Antony?

Antony, a left-footed attacker who plays on the right-hand side, has the potential to elevate United’s attack to levels it hasn’t reached for many years.

The right-wing has been a problem position for the 20-time English champions arguably since Nani departed the club in 2014, with several hopefuls ultimately falling short of expectations.

However, Antony could finally provide the balance in the final third of the pitch that United have been craving for the best part of a decade.

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Over the last 12 months, he has ranked in the top one percent for total shots and progressive passes received, the top two percent for progressive carries and interceptions, and the top four percent for interceptions amongst fellow wingers, as per FBref.

With his dribbling skills, eye for goal, and impressive work rate, Antony could be the ideal signing to kickstart the Ten Hag era in the red half of Manchester.