Antony's agent releases transfer statement after Man Utd put winger up for loan

The agent of Manchester United star Antony has dismissed talk of him leaving the club on loan. The 24-year-old lost his place in the starting XI towards the end of the 2023/24 campaign, with speculation now rife that he will be sent elsewhere this season.

However, Junior Pedroso has insisted the Brazilian forward has no intention of leaving Old Trafford.

That’s despite the club completing the signing of Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna, a signing likely to limit his first-team opportunities.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Pedroso is aware of reports that imply the club are prepared to let Antony leave on loan just two years after he signed from Ajax in an £80million deal. He also said his client’s intentions are ‘clear’, with him wanting to stay and fight for his place under Erik ten Hag.

“I see reports about potential exit on loan,” Pedroso said. “Antony’s plan is clear, Manchester United. He wants to stay, he’s only focused on Man United. We already spoke about that with the club.”

Antony made 82 club appearances in the past two seasons, scoring 11 times. And the Sao Paulo product has all been widely criticised for his lack of impact, as well as his post-match behaviour when the Red Devils beat Coventry in the FA Cup semi-final in April.

His latest season was also disrupted by off-field controversy. He was accused of domestic violence by a former partner, with the complaint later withdrawn, while two further women accused him of assault.

Antony denied the allegations, and in September United issued a club statement acknowledging the situation and announcing that an agreement with Antony was in place to grant him an extended leave of absence. He also lost his place in the Brazil squad.

United continued their pre-season preparations with a 2-0 win over Rangers on Saturday, with Antony not featuring in the squad. However, Ten Hag moved to dismiss the notion that the selection was an indication the player didn’t have a club future, claiming a minor injury kept him out.

And he also argued Antony could yet fulfil his huge transfer fee in England. The Dutch boss cited his explosive start to life in Manchester, which saw him score in a win over Arsenal, before his form faded.

“In the first month, he certainly showed that potential,” he said. “He scored three times in his first three games. After that it got harder – last season wasn’t good. But I am still convinced that he has the potential to play at this club.”