Ajax respond to potential Antony return from Manchester United

Ajax have doubts about the prospect of re-signing Antony from Manchester United, according to reports in the Netherlands.

The Brazil international was signed by United for an initial €95 million (£82m) from Ajax in 2022.

But the 24-year-old has struggled to replicate the same form he showed at Ajax, scoring just 11 goals in his first two seasons at Old Trafford.

So far this term, Antony is yet to start a game in the Premier League or the Europa League, which has sparked speculation over his future at the club.

Reports have claimed that United are willing to cash in Antony but are holding out for a £40m transfer fee.

According to De Telegraph’s Mike Verweij, Ajax have discussed the possibility of bringing Antony back to the club but have doubts over the winger’s mindset having failed to make an impact at United.

‘Within Ajax, there is also some doubt about bringing Antony back, if that possibility arises. There is internal discussion about that,’ Verweij said on De Telegraaf’s podcast.

Verweij also rejected suggestions that Antony could struggle at Ajax if he returned to the Eredivisie in the January window.

‘I would just stop that discussion, especially after seeing Wout Weghorst, Bertrand Traore and Davy Klaassen,’ Verweij said.

‘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.’

When asked about Antony’s situation at United last month, Ten Hag insisted that the winger needed to ‘earn the right’ to start matches.

‘He’s impatient, he wants to play,’ Ten Hag said.

‘But in top football there are laws. You pick the team that has most chance to win the game, the one with the best dynamic, the best chemistry. Players have to fight for their positions.

‘The other players are doing so well – they’re contributing. He has to get over them. He has to earn the right in training.’

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