Man United star could agree loan-to-buy move before January - Insider

Man United will be working to loan out Antony in January and could agree a permanent deal long before the window opens, according to the club’s former chief scout.

Mick Brown, who spent over a decade at United during their most successful period and remains very well-connected at the club, exclusively told Football Insider that they will look to get the winger’s wages off the bill by any means necessary.

This comes shortly after reports linked the Brazilian winger with a return to Ajax, while Newcastle United and Crystal Palace have also been credited with an interest.

Brown has insisted that the 24-year-old is no longer a part of Erik ten Hag’s plans, but there are doubts over whether clubs would be interested in a permanent move for his services.

He has featured just twice in the Premier League so far this season, with both of those appearances coming from the bench, and is no longer seen as an important player.

As a result, United are likely to entertain loan offers that include a potential option or obligation to buy upon the expiry of the deal.

However, in any case, the buying club will have to cover a large percentage of his wages which will free up space for a potential new signing.

Antony arrived at Old Trafford for a fee of £86million in 2022, and there is a growing acceptance at the club that they will be forced to cut their losses.

Man United to entertain loan bids for Antony in January

Having made 87 appearances since joining the club, Antony’s record of just 12 goals and five assists from the wing in that time has led to growing frustration within the club.

Brown, who also spent time as Sir Alex Ferguson’s number two for a period, has insisted that the club are assessing their options about the Brazilian’s long-term future.

“Don’t be surprised if Antony is let go in January, and a deal is done beforehand,” he told Football Insider.

“From what I’m told, there are clubs willing to take him on loan with a possible option to buy.

“That way, they’ll be able to judge his performances and see if they want to pay for a permanent move, whatever that fee may be.

“What Man United are looking for at the moment is just to get him off the wage bill.

“You’d hope that he rediscovers the talent he seemingly had in the first place and either brings that back to United or gets bought for a decent fee.

“I think he’s probably the least effective player they’ve ever bought.

“Even Ten Hag doesn’t seem to want him any more, and he’s the one who brought him in.

“He’s not in the manager’s long-term plans, so if they can shift his wages it might allow them to bring in a replacement with the money they save.”

In other news, United are working on a deal to sign Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies.

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