Antony’s agent makes honest admission about failed Liverpool move, one thing made the deal ‘impossible’

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Antony has failed to live up to his huge price tag at Manchester United.

It has been over two years since Antony joined Manchester United from Ajax and he is now entering a make-or-break period in his career.

Antony’s £81m price tag is United’s second-biggest transfer fee of all time, yet it now seems the Red Devils would do well to extract a quarter of that value if he was sold.

The 24-year-old Brazilian is one of many former Ajax players signed under Erik ten Hag and he arrived as a promising young winger after shining in the Netherlands.

He made a promising start after scoring on his debut against Arsenal, but in 87 appearances for United Antony has only scored 12 goals and provided five assists.

Antony now faces an uncertain future at United and a sale feels inevitable if he is unable to impress new head coach Ruben Amorim.

Antony nearly joined Liverpool before Man United

According to The Times, Liverpool discussed Antony as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah if the Egyptian chose to leave Anfield.

Instead, Erik ten Hag and United pushed to get a deal over the line for Antony and ended up drastically overpaying for the Ajax winger.

Since that news has emerged, Antony’s agent Junior Pedroso has spoken out on the failed move and revealed what made it “impossible”.

Speaking to WinWin, Pedroso said: “Yes, this story has some basis in truth.

Salah renewed his contract with Liverpool at the time, and that made Antony’s move to Liverpool impossible”.

So if Salah had chosen to leave Liverpool and take the offer to join the Saudi Pro League, there is a good chance Antony would be calling Anfield home right now.

Antony has chance of redemption under Ruben Amorim

Antony was unable to replicate the success he had with Ten Hag at Old Trafford, but under Amorim he has a new opportunity.

While Antony’s attacking numbers at United have been poor, his defensive workrate is actually among the best in wingers around Europe.

Amorim is expected to play a 3-4-3 system at United with wing-backs providing width in the Portuguese’s tactical setup.

READ MORE: Manchester United have already got the perfect Antony replacement, he could be 10 times the player

During his first training session on Monday, fans spotted that Amorim was training Antony as a wing-back. Given his impressive defensive work, it could suit the Brazilian and offer him a chance of redemption.

Antony has complained about playing at left-back before, but in Amorim’s system it could offer him a good balance between defence and attack. It may be his last chance to save his United career.