The last position Manchester United expected to need to strengthen in summer 2022 was supposed to be right wing.
But in recent weeks we have seen how this may be a role where United are a lot lighter than previously thought.
Jadon Sancho has been playing most of his football on the left wing for United lately, and enjoying plenty of success.
Meanwhile Mason Greenwood has effectively been written off, while Amad and Facundo Pellistri are currently toiling away on loan and unlikely to play prominent first team roles next season.
This combination of factors has led to United’s reported interest in Ajax winger Antony, with 90Min claiming the Red Devils have stepped up interest in the forward.
Sancho form makes Antony deal even more appealing
Sancho lit up Manchester United’s performance at a wet and dismal Elland Road on Sunday. The England winger provided two assists and was unlucky not to have more.
He has been playing like this for weeks, and his combination of trickery, patience, intelligence and passing ability is shining through.
Most of Sancho’s good work came from the left, although he did drift over to the right for his first assist, but as far as threat from the wing went, it was a one-man show.
Jesse Lingard occupied the other flank and while he worked hard upon his return to the side, he offered little. There is obvious room for improvement there.
That’s why adding a player like Antony, on the right wing, could make Manchester United twice as devastating, essentially doubling up on the havoc Sancho is capable of causing.
Antony has been thriving at Ajax this season, scoring 11 goals and providing 7 assists. His trickery and quick feet have been lighting up the Eredivisie, and he would be a very dangerous player to add to United’s team, especially if he were to get to work with Erik Ten Hag.
Double danger for the future
Like Sancho, Antony is only 21. The two wingers could give United an incredible creative platform for attacks from both flanks for years to come, irrespective of who starts up front.
Whether it be another year of Cristiano Ronaldo leading the line, or a new signing coming into either replace or support the veteran, United will have plenty of depth.
Mix in Marcus Rashford, Anthony Elanga, Amad, and Facundo Pellistri, and United’s options are going to be looking stacked, and not overly dependent on Sancho’s magic.
A move for Antony would be exciting on it’s own, but throw in Sancho’s current form, and a potential partnership begins to look like one of Europe’s best, and both are nowhere near their peak years.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
