Rio Ferdinand says Man Utd would ‘love’ to sell struggling Erik ten Hag signing

Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester United would ‘love’ to sell struggling Erik ten Hag signing Antony.

Antony remains at Old Trafford after the summer transfer window closed despite some speculation he could end his dismal spell at the club.

Manchester United spent more than £80m to sign Antony from Ajax in 2022 but the Brazilian is still struggling to produce his best form.

The 24-year-old was an unused substitute in United’s opening Premier League win over Fulham and was only afforded a few minutes in last weekend’s defeat to Brighton.

In the brief time he spent on the pitch, Antony was criticised for his role in the build-up to Brighton’s injury-time winner and was then criticised by TNT Sports pundit Joe Cole.

The ex-England star claimed Manchester United ‘probably’ want to get rid of Antony and suggested a move would also be the best option for the player himself.

Old Trafford legend Ferdinand appears to agrees with Cole, saying on his YouTube channel that he is exactly the kind of player United would ‘love’ to get off their books.

‘The players they’ve bought this summer, the thing I like about it is there will still be a market for them even if they don’t work out,’ Ferdinand said in reference to the likes of new additions Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee and Manuel Ugarte.

‘The issue Man United have had before is they’ve bought some big names but is there a market if those deals don’t go right? Can they recoup the money they’ve spent? 

‘I think it’s difficult. There’s players that United would have loved to have got rid of before but because their wages and the fees were so high it’s very difficult to recoup the money. 

‘Antony is a great example. Are Man United going to get anywhere near £80m for him if he goes back in the market now they’ve got four wingers ahead of him? I don’t think so. 

‘These ones that have come in now, if they don’t go to plan, the next market for them they could still get a decent amount of money.’

Despite Antony’s poor form at Manchester United, manager Ten Hag reportedly blocked him from leaving the club on transfer deadline day.

It has been reported that La Liga side Real Betis made loan offers for Antony and Red Devils midfielder Christian Eriksen, only to be knocked back by the Premier League giants.

Following last weekend’s disappointing defeat to Brighton, Manchester United will look to get back to winning ways on Sunday when arch-rivals Liverpool travel to Old Trafford.

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