Cristiano Ronaldo could be granted his Manchester United exit wish after Erik ten Hag was handed encouragement by Ajax forward Antony over a transfer to Old Trafford.
Ronaldo is determined to depart the Red Devils this summer after just one season back at Old Trafford following his high-profile return from Juventus last summer after 12 years away. He has been attempting to force through an exit for two months.
The Portuguese superstar did not report to the club's pre-season tour of Asia due to 'family reasons' and only made his first appearance under new boss Erik ten Hag as the Red Devils were held to a 1-1 draw by Rayo Vallecano in a friendly at Old Trafford a week before the season started.
The 37-year-old came on as a second half substitute in the Premier League opening day defeat against Brighton as he was not deemed fit enough to start. He was restored to the starting line-up for the humiliating four-goal loss at Brentford on Saturday evening. Ronaldo snubbed a request from the club’s assistant coach Steve McClaren to acknowledge the travelling United fans after the game – showing the disillusion engulfing the club.
United have yet to sanction any Ronaldo exit as Edinson Cavani was among a glut of first-team departures this summer, in which no forwards have yet been signed, while Mason Greenwood continues to not be involved with the first-team squad.
Ajax forward Antony is said to be among the leading transfer targets for Ten Hag, who is keen to reunite with the 22-year-old. The Brazilian has told the Dutch giants he wants to be considered for a United move – although the Dutch club’s £68million valuation is a major stumbling block to any move.
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After netting in Ajax’s 6-1 Eredivisie win over Groningen on Sunday, Antony was asked directly about reuniting with Ten Hag at Old Trafford. When asked if the two had spoken, the forward responded to NOS: "No idea…he has to discuss this with my agents, I am focused on here. What will come will come, we will see. At the moment I feel good here."
The forward continued, when pressed on his future at Ajax: "Like I said, I feel good here. I love this country. I give everything for this club, every minute, every second. And when I don't play I like to enjoy the beach and city. I am loving this city and this club."
That the Brazilian instructed Ten Hag to talk to his agents whilst failing to rule out a move suggests that a deal could yet be on the cards.
Ten Hag wants Antony in his ideal XI at Old Trafford. Last season, Antony played 33 games last season for the Dutch giants, where he scored 12 goals and provided 10 assists before missing the final segment of the campaign through injury. He also played nine games in the South American Qualifiers for the World Cup for the Brazilian national team and scored two goals.
Antony is primarily a right-sided player, which would add balance to United's attack with Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford primarily deployed on the left. Anthony Elanga also recently claimed that he preferred to play on the left rather than on the right, where he had been utilised by former United interim boss Ralf Rangnick.
