Manchester United are being linked with a shock move to send Antony to Flamengo in exchange for striker Gabriel Barbosa.
Many United player are coming in for real criticism at the moment, but few are copping flak quite like Antony.
The Brazilian just isn’t impacting games for United and was described as ‘embarrassing’ by Gary Neville last week.
Erik ten Hag vouched for Antony, convincing United to splash around £82million on the winger.
The pair worked together at Ajax but Antony has yet to come close to paying back that huge price tag, leading to major criticism.
Manchester United reportedly target Antony swap deal
The Mirror now report a surprise rumour as they claim that United want to sign Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa.
They suggest that a January deal could feature winger Antony heading to Flamengo in part-exchange.
This wouldn’t be a permanent move; Flamengo would like to take Antony back to Brazil on loan.
Whether United would want Barbosa permanently or on loan remains to be seen but he is allegedly wanted as support for Rasmus Hojlund up top.
AC Milan are keen on Barbosa too but Flamengo would likely give preference to a swap involving Antony.
My view: Gabriel Barbosa for Antony would be a big surprise
We can understand United wanting another striker in order to take some pressure off Hojlund.
Barbosa – known as ‘Gabigol’ – has been a goal machine for Flamengo, racking up 153 goals in 265 appearances.
The 27-year-old hasn’t really impressed in Europe in the past though, recording just two goals in 15 games for Inter Milan and Benfica.
Additionally, United sending Antony out on loan in January seems very unlikely and we can’t really imagine him wanting to leave the Premier League for Brazil.
Ten Hag and Antony will be desperate to make this work at United and we would suggest that a swap for Barbosa is very unlikely.
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