Man United close to agreeing €100m deal to sign Antony

Callum Boyle

United are close to getting their man.

Manchester United are close to agreeing a €100m deal to sign winger Antony from Ajax.

Sky Sports have reported that the two clubs have almost reached an agreement which will see United pay a substantial fee to land one of Erik ten Hag’s main targets this summer.

Antony was left out of Ajax’s squad for their game against Utrecht this weekend and during an interview with Fabrizio Romano last week, expressed his desire to leave for a new challenge.

“I’m not asking Ajax to release me, I’m asking Ajax to sell me with the highest bid ever for Eredivisie player. I’ve been insisting on this theme since February so that the club could rebuild the team with peace of mind,” he said.

▫️ Why Ajax don't want to let you go?

▪️ Excl. Antony: "I'm not asking Ajax to release me, I'm asking Ajax to sell me with the highest bid ever for Eredivisie player. I've been insisting on this theme since February so that the club could rebuild the team with peace of mind". pic.twitter.com/JCXgoy80TF

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 26, 2022

The Brazilian would be United’s fifth signing of the summer and a crucial addition to the club’s forward line as they look to bolster their attacking options.

United are short on options with Anthony Martial out injured and the future of Cristiano Ronaldo still uncertain. The 22-year-old scored eight times in 23 league games for Ajax under Ten Hag last season and has reserved plenty of praise for his former boss.

“Manchester United will improve at his hand. At his previous clubs, he has proven that his method works,” he told De Telegraaf.

“Erik has been super important to me. I am grateful to him and I will always cheer for Erik after working so closely together.”

United secured back-to-back wins and their first victory on the road since February on Saturday after beating Southampton 1-0. Bruno Fernandes’ second half strike capped off a much-improved week after they had beaten arch rivals Liverpool in the previous game.