Alfred Schreuder left Antony out of the squad in Ajax’s latest win over Sparta Rotterdam because of Manchester United’s firm desire to sign the winger.
The manager admitted he wants the star to stay at the club amid interest from the Red Devils.
“I want him to stay, I also think he should stay. We have already sold five or six basic players. Anyway, we know how football works,” Schreuder said, as quoted by NOS.
De Telegraaf state Manchester United ‘want’ Antony and PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo, and it isn’t a question of one or the other as they want to bring both to Old Trafford.
The Netherlands international is aware of the concrete interest of the Premier League side, but doesn’t want to discuss a transfer until PSV’s Europa League qualifying tie against Rangers later this week.
Manchester United have ‘oriented themselves’ for the asking price and can ‘immediately take’ action for Gakpo, after PSV’s tie against Rangers.
The report states the best news for Erik ten Hag is that the Glazers ‘suddenly want to step in to make big money signings possible.’
They have made more money available, but the Glazers also have limits.
Having seen the €80m bid rejected by the Amsterdam club for Antony, the Red Devils will raise their offer, but if Ajax demand over €100m, then they will move away from the Brazil international.
A move for Gakpo will be discussed from Thursday, while Manchester United ‘continue to bet’ on the arrival of Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s age [37] is an extra reason for the club to invest on more attackers, while his own situation also needs to be resolved.
Some of his teammates feel they are ‘obliged’ to pass the ball to the forward, while others find his influence ‘far too great and would rather lose him than be rich’.
Ronaldo himself is no longer making ‘any effort to improve the atmosphere’.
Although Ten Hag’s immediate focus is on the Liverpool tie today, his weekend was largely used to discuss major reinforcements for the team.
De Telegraaf state: ‘The success that Ten Hag strives for as the United coach will largely depend on the activities on the transfer market in these last days. Otherwise, there’s a big risk that his first season will flop right away and he’ll never get the ship afloat again.’
