Man Utd ‘snubbed chance to sign Antony from Ajax for just £53m’, before later completing whopping £86m transfer
MANCHESTER UNITED reportedly rejected the chance to sign Antony for £53million – before eventually paying £86m.
The Red Devils made the Brazilian, 22, the fourth most expensive Premier League purchase of all-time in the summer when he left Ajax for Old Trafford.
But that came after a long transfer saga in which the prospect of signing Antony arose on numerous occasions.
According to ESPN, when United first became interested in a deal for the South American, Ajax gave them an asking price of £53m.
At that point, the Premier League giants deemed it to be too high.
However, as Erik ten Hag became increasingly keen to bring him in, United ended up paying a huge £86m to bring him to the club.
Antony was one of two big-money arrivals late in the summer window along with compatriot Casemiro – who joined for £70m.
They came after United lost their opening two games under Ten Hag against Brighton and Brentford.
Antony has contributed five goals in 16 appearances since arriving in Manchester.
His performances have divided opinion, with some United supporters getting increasingly frustrated at his one-footed style.
HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
Yet despite some indifferent performances so far this season, Ten Hag defended him back in October, saying: “He is a young player we have to develop, but he has to develop himself.
“We have to expect more from him. He needs challenges. That’s why he came to the Premier League.
“He will step up. In the first weeks, he’s scored goals, he did good stuff, but also I see a lot of room for improvement in his game.”
Man Utd currently sit fourth in the Premier League table, two points ahead of Spurs.
They have won eight games in a row in all competitions ahead of the Manchester derby on Saturday.