Manchester United ready to offload £86m flop following Ten Hag’s departure – report

Manchester United have reportedly placed Brazilian forward Antony on the transfer list, following the departure of manager Erik ten Hag, Soccernet.football understands.

The decision to part ways with Antony, who cost the club a staggering £86 million, signals United’s readiness to cut their losses on the player they once heralded as a future star.

Antony’s performances have failed to live up to the price tag since his move from Ajax in the summer of 2022.

Scoring only five Premier League goals, the 23-year-old has struggled to make the impact expected, especially under Ten Hag, who had previously managed him at Ajax.

His tenure at United has thus far fallen short, particularly given his status as the second most expensive player in the club’s history.

Several clubs, including Ajax and Brazilian side Flamengo, have shown interest in acquiring Antony, though United acknowledge they will likely face a substantial financial loss.

Ajax, who sold Antony to United, have been reported as particularly keen on a potential re-signing.

Tensions regarding Antony’s status also reportedly contributed to friction within the dressing room, with Ten Hag’s loyalty to the underperforming winger becoming a point of contention.

Amad Diallo, another United winger, was visibly frustrated after Antony was substituted on ahead of him during last week’s 1-1 Europa League draw with Fenerbahce — a decision that did not go unnoticed by United’s management.

Antony’s United career began with promise, netting three goals in his first three Premier League appearances.

However, the player has since struggled to replicate that form, despite being brought in by a manager who knew his strengths well.

Labeled as a £25 million talent under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tenure, the substantial sum spent to secure Antony’s services now appears difficult to justify, and United are ready to move on.