- Man United could sack Antony in January after his poor start at Old Trafford
- Erik ten Hag’s team wants to strengthen their attackers in front of goal
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Manchester United have reportedly given the ‘green light’ to part ways with Antony in a remarkable swap deal in January, which could see him move back to Brazil.
The 23-year-old arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2022 in an £85.5million transfer but has struggled to find the back of the net, scoring just eight times in 54 appearances in all competitions.
The Brazilian is also yet to open his goalscoring account for the 2023/24 season, despite having already made 10 appearances for Erik ten Hag’s side this season.
United is now according The mirrorwho want to strengthen their attacking options and could offer Antony in a swap deal for Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa.
The deal would allow the former Ajax winger to move to Serie A on a ‘trade-in loan’.
Manchester United have reportedly given the ‘green light’ to a swap deal for Antony in January
Erik ten Hag’s side are looking to strengthen their attacking options after struggling in front of goal this season
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A permanent contract for Antony is unlikely as his contract expires in 2027.
Antony has also missed several games this season after being granted leave to defend himself against allegations of domestic abuse made against him by three women.
The attacker returned to Brazil in September to discuss the allegations before returning to the UK where he met with Greater Manchester Police.
He then returned in United’s 2–1 win against Brentford in early October.
The Red Devils have struggled to score this season, with Marcus Rashford scoring once in the league, while Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund have each scored just once this season.
The team currently sits eighth in the Premier League standings after finding the net 12 times this season, with the lion’s share of goals coming from midfield, with Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay their top scorers to date in the competition were with three goals each.
Fernandes proved crucial during Man United’s 1-0 win against Fulham on Saturday, scoring a final goal to help his side end a two-match losing streak.
Barbosa scored 20 times in 55 games in all competitions for Flamengo last season.
The 27-year-old, who plays as a centre-forward, has been linked with a move to the Premier League for some time, with Arsenal, West Ham and Newcastle having previously expressed interest in signing him.
United could swap the former Ajax winger for Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa (pictured)
Barbosa scored twenty times in all competitions for the Brazilian team last season
After starting his career at Santos, the Brazilian spent some time in Europe, playing for both Benfica and Inter Milan, and notably had a difficult loan spell in Serie A in 2019.
Since then he has found his form and is attracting the attention of many clubs across Europe. He also scored 29 goals in the 2021/22 season in all competitions.
United are looking to sign a new striker in the January transfer window to lighten the load on Rasmus Hojlund, who is yet to find the back of the net in the league following his summer move to Old Trafford.
Ten Hag’s team has been linked to Brentford’s Ivan Toney and Napoli star Victor Osimhen.