It's no secret that Manchester United wish to strengthen their forward line this summer and they're reportedly keen on signing Antony from Ajax – but how does he compare with United's current striking options?
It makes sense that former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag is said to be looking to bring one of the Eredivisie champions' shining lights with him to Old Trafford.
Antony has caught the eye of several top European clubs following a string of impressive performances for the Dutch side last season. Liverpool and Bayern Munich have also been linked with the Brazilian, who has won nine caps for his country.
But it's United, who have already lost Edinson Cavani this summer, that would seem the obvious choice for the 22-year-old. With the future of Anthony Martial uncertain after his underwhelming spell at Sevilla, it looks a necessity that Ten Hag needs his attacking options bolstered in the transfer market.
We've compared Antony's Eredivisie stats for the 2021-22 season with the Premier League stats of United's current forward options over the same period.
Goals
Cristiano Ronaldo – 18
Antony – 8
Marcus Rashford – 4
Jadon Sancho – 3
Anthony Elanga – 2
Anthony Martial – 1
Assists
Antony – 4
Cristiano Ronaldo – 3
Jadon Sancho – 3
Marcus Rashford – 2
Anthony Elanga – 2
Anthony Martial – 0
Minutes per goal
Cristiano Ronaldo – 136.6
Anthony Martial – 210
Antony – 217
Marcus Rashford – 308.2
Anthony Elanga – 608.5
Jadon Sancho – 643.6
Minutes per goal or assist
Cristiano Ronaldo – 117.1
Antony – 144.6
Marcus Rashford – 205.5
Anthony Martial – 210
Anthony Elanga – 304.2
Jadon Sancho – 317.3
Chances created per 90 minutes
Jadon Sancho – 1.9
Antony – 1.9
Cristiano Ronaldo – 1.0
Marcus Rashford – 0.7
Anthony Elanga – 0.7
Anthony Martial – N/A
Successful dribbles per 90 minutes (success rate)
Antony – 2.2 (59.5%)
Jadon Sancho – 2.2 (55%)
Anthony Martial – 1.7 (56.6%)
Marcus Rashford – 1.6 (39%)
Anthony Elanga – 0.8 (34.8%)
Cristiano Ronaldo – 0.7 (58.3%)
Passes per 90 minutes (passing accuracy)
Antony – 53.0 (82.3%)
Jadon Sancho – 44.2 (83.5%)
Anthony Martial – 35.1 (81.7%)
Cristiano Ronaldo – 32.2 (81.9%)
Anthony Elanga – 30.5 (78.2%)
Marcus Rashford – 28.7 (76.1%)
Shots per 90 minutes (inside penalty area)
Antony – 4.1 (2.2)
Cristiano Ronaldo – 4.0 (2.9)
Anthony Martial – 2.1 (1.8)
Marcus Rashford – 1.6 (1.1)
Anthony Elanga – 1.6 (1.0)
Jadon Sancho – 1.2 (0.9)
Chidon_Sports
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It has taken me some time to process the change that is happening in my life, and this is a message that, for many moments over the last years, I never thought I would be writing. But, of course, all good things come to an end, and my time as a Manchester United player has just finished. It would be impossible for me to express through this text all the feelings that I've been experiencing over the last weeks, but to sum it up, I would like to say that I'm the proudest man in the world for having represented this unique club for the last 8 and a half seasons. It is something that I would never have dreamed of when I was little, as it felt too distant for a kid in Spain to one day play for one of the best clubs in the history of football. But sometimes reality exceeds dreams. As I’m writing these lines today, I couldn't be more grateful with what my career has brought to me so far, and I'm as excited as that little kid about what the future might bring from now on. The same passion for playing football as that kid’s remains inside of me. It goes without saying that I want to thank every staff member that work in the club and that make it so special, every manager, and every team-mate that I have crossed paths with during my time in Manchester. We haven't experienced the best period in the history of the club, but we did have some amazing memories along the way in the form of trophies and special moments together that will stay forever in my mind. Thank you all, I will miss you ❤️ For you, our supporters, I don't really find words to describe how grateful I am and how special you've made me feel. I feel very loved and this is something for what neither me or my family will ever be thankful enough. Manchester is and will always be a massive part of my life, on and off the pitch, and I really feel like an adopted Mancunian. Living here and understanding what it means to be part of this singular place in the world and its culture it's something truly special. I feel I belong here. I wish nothing but the best to the club and the new manager, and I really hope this is the start of a new era full of great football, trophies and enjoyment for you, our fans, nothing more than what you deserve, and nothing less than what this football club should be about. This is not a good bye but a see you soon, as I will keep coming to Manchester whenever I can, but for now, from the bottom of my heart, thank you very much for letting me be part of your history, I am trully honoured and proud, and I will always be one of you. 🔴⚪️⚫️ Juan.