Erik ten Hag has already warned how Manchester United could face a difficult challenge in their efforts to lure Ajax star Antony to Old Trafford ahead of the transfer window slamming shut.
United, who have already drafted in one Ajax player this summer after landing Lisandro Martinez, are desperate to add to their attacking options ahead of the transfer window closing in just over a week's time. Bringing in a new right-sided winger has been a leading priority for them throughout the summer and they remain determined to source one.
After cooling their interest in Antony in recent weeks, United have rekindled their pursuit of the Brazilian. Ten Hag knows him inside out from his time working with him in Amsterdam and is determined to be reunited with him at Old Trafford.
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The 22-year-old, who is considered one of the most exciting wingers in European football, was left out of the Ajax squad that defeated Sparta Rotterdam 1-0 on Sunday after not being in the right frame of mind. He has reportedly gone on strike over the last few days, failing to report for training, all in an attempt to try and force through a move to Old Trafford.
It has been widely reported that he and his representatives are pleading with Ajax to negotiate a deal with United. However, it has been claimed that the Dutch club has slapped an eye-watering €100million price tag on his services.
That valuation, however, is unlikely to have come as a surprise to Ten Hag. That is because the Dutchman detailed how important Antony is to Ajax earlier this year.
"If Antony were to go, it would be a loss for Ajax, because you have no one in the current selection who can take over his position," said Ten Hag, speaking back in May. "He is top class."
Since making that admission, Ajax have added to their wide areas this summer with the signing of Steven Bergwijn from Tottenham Hotspur. Bergwijn has flourished in the Eredivisie in the past and has already scored four goals this season, his latest of which came at the weekend.
While Bergwijn is a major threat, he is more accustomed to playing on the left flank as opposed to the right, highlighting why Ajax are so keen to keep hold of Antony. Nobody at United is more qualified to make a judgement on the youngster than Ten Hag, meaning his warning about how Ajax have nobody to fulfil his role, should he move on, should provide enough proof as to why the Dutch giants are keen to secure such a substantial fee.
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