Ajax manager criticises ‘weird’ Antony ahead of £84m Manchester United transfer

Set to be announced as one of the Premier League’s most expensive signings of all time, Ajax winger Antony has been criticised by his current manager for his conduct in trying to push through a transfer to Manchester United.

Paul Hirst

2 min read

August 31, 2022 - 9:00AM

Brazilian winger Antony could face a fine, suggested Ajax manager Schreuder, who criticised the player for going on strike. Picture: Maurice van Steen/ANP/AFP

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The Ajax head coach Alfred Schreuder has described Antony’s conduct as “weird” and suggested the Dutch club could fine the Brazil winger for going on strike to push through his pounds 84 million move to Manchester United.

United are set to announce today (Wednesday) that Antony, 22, has signed a five-year contract to become the club’s second-most expensive signing after Paul Pogba.

Antony was a key player in Ajax’s Eredivisie title win last season, but has refused to play the past two matches, which is why he is leaving on bad terms.

“It’s a shame,” Schreuder said. “It’s bad. I think that’s weird. I’m angry about it. I think, ‘You’re just a f---ing player. You just have to do your thing.’ ”

Asked if Antony could be fined, Schreuder said: “Absolutely. I don’t think it’s good that it’s possible [for him to behave like that] within our club.”

Schreuder has been left far from impressed with Antony’s conduct. Picture: Roland Krivec/DeFodi Images via Getty Images

Martin Dubravka, the 33-year-old goalkeeper, is also set to join United on loan from Newcastle United, while Manchester United could also thrash out a deal for Sergino Dest, the Barcelona right back, before the transfer window closes tomorrow (Thursday) night.

Dest, 21, played under Erik ten Hag at Ajax for one season before being sold to Barcelona for pounds 23.8 million in October 2020. The United States defender has been unable to hold down a place in the team, however, and has now been left out of the squad for the first three matches of the season.

Any deal is likely to depend on whether United can sell or loan out Aaron Wan-Bissaka, the second-choice right back. Crystal Palace have been linked with Wan-Bissaka, who could be sold for as little as £50 million.

Dest is another player linked with Manchester United. Picture: David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images

Leicester City, Everton and Southampton are among a number of clubs chasing James Garner, the 21-year-old midfielder, who is available for around £14 million.

Meanwhile, The 1958, the anti-Glazer fans’ group, have organised a protest for the home game against Arsenal on Sunday.

The group want fans to protest behind the East Stand before kick-off and unfurl anti-Glazer banners in the stadium.

Last week, United admitted that their stewards should not have confiscated a number of “Glazers Out” banners at Old Trafford before the home game against Liverpool.

Under club policy, only banners with political, illegal or commercial messages on them should be confiscated.

– The Times

Originally published as Ajax manager criticises ‘weird’ Antony ahead of £84m Manchester United transfer