Manchester United winger on the move?

Manchester United winger Antony may soon find himself on the move this January as a prominent European club has expressed its intention to submit a loan offer. According to reports, the Brazilian international has struggled to make a significant impact since joining United for a hefty £86 million, managing only 12 goals and five assists over 87 appearances.

Diminished role under Erik ten Hag

Under Erik ten Hag’s management, Antony's role diminished dramatically. He has participated in just five matches this season, logging a mere 155 minutes of game time, which fueled speculation about his future at Old Trafford.

Besiktas interested

The new manager, Ruben Amorim, apparently shares ten Hag's sentiment and reportedly does not see Antony as an essential part of his plans moving forward. Turkish club Besiktas, recognizing this opportunity, is keen on securing the winger they initially targeted during the summer transfer window.

Aims for squad strengthening

Besiktas is eager to strengthen their squad in the January window, where they aim to close the gap on rivals Galatasaray and Fenerbahce. Antony is high on their wishlist, and sources suggest that he is open to a move that would allow him more playing time and a chance to regain his form.

Reuniting with familiar faces

If Antony heads to Besiktas, he will reunite with several familiar faces from the Premier League, including ex-Arsenal defender Gabriel Paulista and former Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, among others. This kind of environment could be beneficial for him as he seeks to revive his career.

Tactical shift under Amorim

Amorim, who is set to implement a 3-4-3 formation at Besiktas, has already experimented with Antony in a right wing-back position during training. This tactical shift indicates a possible change in how the Brazilian might be utilized if the loan goes through.

Financial implications for United

Interestingly, the loan move would not significantly increase Manchester United’s financial power in the upcoming January window, as it is unlikely that Besiktas will meet United's financial expectations for a loan with a future buy option. However, a successful loan spell would certainly give Antony the chance to showcase his talent and potentially attract buyers ahead of the summer transfer market.

Other transfer news

In other related Manchester United news, reports have surfaced regarding the club's interest in Randal Kolo Muani of PSG, as United searches for reinforcements. Yet, Newcastle and West Ham appear to be stronger candidates for landing the French striker.

Amorim's observations at Carrington

Furthermore, Amorim's initial days at Carrington have reportedly left him 'stunned,' particularly by the lack of intensity among players during training sessions. This observation aligns with the growing concerns surrounding the team's form and competitiveness in the current season.

Potential changes in the squad

TalkSPORT commentator Gabby Agbonlahor warned that under Amorim's leadership, no player, including key figures like Marcus Rashford, is safe from being offloaded if their performances do not improve significantly. Agbonlahor emphasized the potential for major changes as the summer transfer window approaches, indicating that players must step up or risk being shown the door.

Looking ahead to January transfer window

As the January transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Manchester United and Antony’s journey—will we see an ambitious revival or a continued decline? Stay tuned!