
Ruben Amorim, the newly appointed manager of Manchester United, is reportedly planning significant changes to the squad ahead of the January transfer window. Among the players rumored to be on the departure list is Brazilian winger Antony. Since his high-profile transfer from Ajax, Antony has struggled to make a substantial impact at Old Trafford and is now perceived as a “disruptive influence” within the team.
This move follows Manchester United’s shaky start to the Premier League season under Erik ten Hag’s leadership. Expectations were high for the Dutch manager, but the team secured only three wins from their first nine league games, positioning them in the bottom half of the standings. In response to these disappointing results, the club temporarily appointed Ruud van Nistelrooy as interim manager. While he managed to stabilize the team somewhat by earning four points in two matches, the board realized that deeper changes were necessary. Thus, Ruben Amorim, an accomplished Portuguese coach, was brought in with a mission to rejuvenate the squad.
Amorim, known for his successful stint at Sporting Lisbon, quickly identified areas of concern within the team. Antony’s name surfaced as a priority for potential exits, as the winger failed to integrate effectively into Amorim’s strategic vision. This season, Antony has appeared in only five matches across all competitions and has delivered inconsistent performances. With his two lackluster years at United weighing heavily on the club, they are now considering either selling him outright or arranging a loan move during the January transfer period, according to The Daily Star.
One potential candidate to replace Antony is Geovany Quenda, a young and promising forward from Sporting Lisbon. Amorim reportedly holds Quenda in high regard and views him as a perfect addition to transform United’s attacking force. Quenda’s profile—marked by youthfulness, creativity, and familiarity with Amorim’s tactical style—aligns well with the manager’s preferred 3-4-3 formation. This system emphasizes high pressing, fluid attacking patterns, and quick transitions, all areas where Antony has struggled to make a meaningful impact.
Letting go of Antony would be a notable decision given the substantial financial commitment Manchester United made when acquiring him in 2022. His significant transfer fee brought immense expectations, but his failure to adapt to the Premier League’s rigors has ultimately placed him outside of Amorim’s long-term plans. An exit could provide Antony an opportunity to reignite his career at another club while allowing United to channel their resources into players more aligned with Amorim’s goals.
Bringing in Geovany Quenda could invigorate United’s attack, which has been among the least efficient in the league this season. Amorim’s efforts to recruit talents like Quenda underscore the urgency with which he aims to tackle the squad’s deficiencies. With the backing of the club’s leadership, Amorim appears set on making bold, strategic changes that herald a new chapter for the team.
For Antony, leaving in January could be the most advantageous path forward. A move to a different club might enable him to regain his confidence and perform at a higher level, while Manchester United would benefit from freeing up space and resources to support Amorim’s vision. Nevertheless, questions remain as to whether potential buyers would meet United’s valuation, given Antony’s inconsistent displays.
Ruben Amorim’s decisive actions in reshaping the squad could be instrumental in revitalizing the team’s season and fostering hope for Manchester United’s return to competitive form under their new leadership.
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