Man United scouts snubbed £55m Champions League ‘superstar’ to instead sign Antony

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Manchester United’s deal to sign Antony from Ajax certainly did not go according to plan.

Late into the summer window of 2022, Antony joined Manchester United for £85m to reunite with Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag was eager to strengthen at right wing and urged United to raid his former club Ajax for the Brazilian.

Antony is United’s second-most expensive transfer of all time, but he has unfortunately failed to live up to his hefty price tag.

The 24-year-old has scored 12 goals and provided five assists in his 92 appearances for the club, and years later it was revealed that United overpaid for Antony by £60m with club scouts valuing him at just £25m.

Man United missed out on Raphinha to sign Antony

Another winger target on United’s radar at the time was Raphinha, who was playing for fierce rivals Leeds United.

United’s interest in Raphinha dates back to 2021, but the Red Devils snubbed the chance to sign the Brazilian in favour of signing Antony.

As reported by The Athletic, United’s scouting department backed Ten Hag in chasing a deal for Antony over the other option which was Raphinha.

It is a decision the club will look back on regrettably, especially as Raphinha has now become a “superstar” at Barcelona.

The La Liga giants signed Raphinha for £55m just a few days before Antony moved to Manchester. Two years on, he has scored 17 goals and provided 10 assists in 25 appearances this season.

That includes six goals in six games in the Champions League with a hat-trick against Bayern Munich while captaining Barcelona on Europe’s big stage. Meanwhile, Antony could be headed for the exit at Old Trafford.

Antony linked with Man United exit in 2025

Under Ruben Amorim, it is still not quite clear where Antony fits in at United. He has been trialled at wing-back and as a No.10 but continues to look unconvincing.

Reports suggest Amorim is open to selling Antony with United prepared to accept offers of around £23m to let him leave in January.

READ MORE: Ruben Amorim admits Man Utd ace ‘lacking confidence’, sends clear message what he needs to do

Premier League rivals Newcastle United have been linked to Antony, while Turkish clubs showed interest in Antony over the summer.

Amorim wants Antony to defend more and if he can adapt to the new style of play at United he could potentially revive his career under the Portuguese, but at this point in time an exit looks like the more likely solution.