Antony has been linked with a move away from Manchester United (Picture: Getty)
The agent of Brazilian winger Antony has responded to claims he could leave Manchester United this summer.
Recent reports have suggested United are open to sending Antony out on loan in the hope he will revive his stuttering career and return to Old Trafford in better form and with more confidence.
Much was expected of Antony, 24, when he competed a £82m move from Ajax in 2022 but he has flattered to deceive in a Manchester United shirt.
He enjoyed two impressive seasons at Ajax, helping the Dutch club win two Eredivisie titles and reach the semi-finals of the Champions League.
But Antony has underwhelmed since arriving in Manchester, scoring just 11 goals and contributing just one in the Premier League last season.
Antony’s struggles have led to speculation the Brazilian will leave United on loan this summer but his agent insists he ‘wants to stay’.
‘I see reports about potential exit on loan,’ Junior Pedroso told Fabrizio Romano. ‘Antony’s plan is clear: Manchester United.
£82m signing Antony in pre-season training (Picture: Getty)
‘He wants to stay, he’s only focused on Man United. We already spoke about that with the club.’
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, who also managed Antony at Ajax, admits the Brazil international struggled last season but has backed his big-money signing to come good at Old Trafford.
‘He certainly showed that potential in the first month: he scored three times in his first three games,’ Ten Hag said of Antony.
‘After that it became more difficult, last season was not good. But I am still convinced that he has the potential to play at this club.’
What has Antony said about his Man Utd form?
Antony, meanwhile, said last season was ‘very difficult for many reasons’ but remains confident he can turn his United career around.
’23/24 was a very difficult season, for many reasons,’ he posted on Instagram at the end of the campaign.
‘But I suffered quietly! I took this period to reflect and seek self knowledge. Today, at the end of another season, I can say that after everything I’ve been through, I feel much stronger and ready for the challenges.
Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag (Picture: Getty)
‘Football gave me everything I have, thanks to it, I was able to help my family, change my life and open up a range of opportunities.
‘After time, the experience will give me the tools to achieve my biggest goals, which are success and to build my story in a world as challenging as the one we live in!
‘I thank God, my family, our fans, my work colleagues and the entire Manchester United staff!’
Who else could leave Manchester United?
Antony is not the only Manchester United player being linked with a summer move, with several of his team-mates also tipped to leave Old Trafford in the coming weeks.
According to reports, United bosses are open to offers for Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Scott McTominay, Christian Eriksen and Casemiro.
The Manchester club are looking to trim Ten Hag’s squad and raise funds for more signings after securing deals for Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee and French defender Leny Yoro.
United have already sold Mason Greenwood, Willy Kambwala and Donny van de Beek this summer.
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