Manchester United are reportedly considering the option of loaning out Brazilian winger Antony in the January transfer window, with the possibility of a permanent departure in the summer. This move comes as the 24-year-old continues to fall short of the high expectations set after his record-breaking transfer in 2022.
Antony joined Manchester United with much anticipation and a hefty £86 million price tag, making him one of the club’s most expensive signings. The transfer, largely influenced by Erik ten Hag—his former coach at Ajax—was viewed as a key addition to United’s attacking options. Ten Hag, who had firsthand experience of Antony’s talent in the Eredivisie, believed the winger could make a significant impact at Old Trafford. However, two years later, Antony has yet to fully deliver on that promise.
In his first season, Antony displayed flashes of the skill that justified his price tag. His quick feet, creative dribbling, and sharp finishing occasionally lit up matches, offering glimpses of his potential. However, these moments have been rare and overshadowed by inconsistency and prolonged stretches of mediocrity. This season, Antony’s playing time has been significantly limited, with competition from Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Amad Diallo pushing him further down the pecking order.
Remarkably, Antony’s lack of minutes has persisted even as players like Jadon Sancho, Omari Forson, and Facundo Pellistri have departed the squad. Yet, Antony has struggled to seize the opportunity to establish himself. So far this season, he has played only 139 minutes in all competitions, with his only start coming in a low-profile Carabao Cup match against Barnsley—far from the prominent role he was expected to take on.
The speculation around Antony’s future has intensified in recent weeks, with reports suggesting that United may opt to loan him out in January to help him regain his form and confidence. A loan move would give Antony the chance to play regularly and silence his critics. For United, it would offer an opportunity to assess whether the Brazilian still has a future at the club or if they should cut their losses and recover part of their investment.
A loan would also open the door for United’s emerging talents. Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo have both impressed in wide attacking roles, showing the energy and consistency Antony has lacked. Allowing Antony to leave, even temporarily, could signal a shift in United’s focus—prioritizing younger, more dynamic players over underperforming big-money signings.
The circumstances surrounding Antony’s transfer have only added to the scrutiny. Before Erik ten Hag advocated for his signing, Antony was scouted during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tenure, with an initial valuation of around £25 million. At that time, United hesitated to pay more than £60 million for him. In 2022, however, Antony’s final transfer fee of £82 million, including guaranteed payments, raised eyebrows, particularly given that his contributions haven’t justified such an investment.
For Antony, this loan move could be a make-or-break moment in his career, offering a chance to prove that his struggles at United are a temporary setback. If he performs well elsewhere, he could return to Old Trafford revitalized and ready to reclaim his place in the squad. On the other hand, another disappointing loan spell could signal the end of his Manchester United career, with a permanent departure likely next summer.
As the January transfer window approaches, Antony’s future is increasingly uncertain. Will he use this opportunity to reignite his career and repay the faith Erik ten Hag placed in him? Or will this loan mark the beginning of the end of his time at Manchester United? Only time will tell.
