Manchester United outlay on Antony questioned

Ex-Sao Paulo director Alexandre Passaro insists clubs like Man City or Tottenham will not pay the £85 million Manchester United paid for Antony.

Manchester United have thoroughly struggled to get their primary targets in this window. However, in recent weeks, they have got their hands on crucial signings. After a disastrous start to their season, the Red Devils have made their fans happy with some high-profile arrivals.

In the aftermath of the Brentford defeat, Manchester United signed Casemiro from Real Madrid and followed up the Brazilian’s arrival with a firm interest in Antony. The transfer for the Ajax star has proved difficult for the Red Devils, but they eventually got it over the line.

Manchester United signed Antony in an £85 million deal from Ajax, and much has been said about the enormous transfer fee paid for the 22-year-old Brazilian attacker.

Former Sao Paulo director Alexandre Passaro told the media and, as quoted by Goal, that clubs like Manchester City and Tottenham may not have paid such a considerable sum for the Brazilian, suggesting Manchester United may have overpaid for the 22-year-old.

An agreement has been reached for the transfer of @Antony00 ??#MUFC

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 30, 2022

“He’s the kind of player that delivers what you need and gives you no trouble. It would obviously be doubtful that a team like Manchester City or Tottenham paid the same money for him, but Ten Hag knows what he’s getting.

“It may seem like he’s just a 22-year-old boy, that things are moving too fast for him, and he doesn’t have much experience. But I can tell you one thing: every coach that works with him doesn’t want to let him go.

“It has happened with Ten Hag, but with other coaches in Brazil like Andre Jardine and Tite. They have a different perception of Antony because they know the phenomenon that he is in the daily work, the absurd things that he does with the ball, how talented he is.”

Sure, many do believe Manchester United may have overpaid for the Brazilian attacker, but in hindsight, he was Ten Hag’s top target. Achieving favourable players could help the club develop and compete with the other teams this season, something they have been missing since last season’s turmoil.