Manchester United have long been trying to get Ajax winger Antony, with the Dutch club’s former coach, and the Premier League side’s new manager Erik ten Hag fixed on having the Brazilian on his team.
However, Ajax have been playing hardball, having rejected United’s latest €90 million bid. Now, James Ducker, of Telegraph reported that the Red Devils have a couple of options ahead of them. They could press on and make another attempt to get the 22-year-old, but this would require a triple-figure deal, or ten Hag’s side could cut their losses and consider alternatives.
With the transfer window closing, here are three players United could go for if the Antony deal is a no-go.
Cody Gakpo
Cody Gakpo, the promising PSV Eindhoven winger, has been considered as a backup if the Antony deal falls through. The 23-year-old had 12 goals and 13 assists in 27 Eredivisie matches last season.
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However, Willy and Rene van de Kerkhof, of the Dutch national team don’t feel that the youngster is ready for the top-flight European football that he’s bound to encounter at United.
Christian Pulisic
There was talk of United getting the American forward in a swap deal that would see Chelsea take English defender Harry Maguire off ten Hag’s hands. While Maguire has been benched for the past couple of matches, Chelsea look closer to signing Wesley Fofana of Leicester City.
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Thus, the swap deal seems to be out of the question, but Pulisic has been complaining of his game time at Stamford Bridge and could seek a move to Old Trafford in hopes of more time on the field.
Yannick Carrasco
United expressed interest in Atletico winger Yannick Carrasco, but the Daily Mail had reported that the club ruled out the Belgian, opting to go for other players. However, with the Antony deal not going anywhere and United in need of more attacking options, the 28-year-old could be part of the PL side.
