Manchester United will be ‘looking’ at bringing in Antony and Jurrien Timber ‘the most’ as they assess the talent on offer at Ajax, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
The Red Devils have appointed Erik ten Hag as their next manager following an impressive five-year stint with the Amsterdam giants, and he could bring some of his former players with him.
What is the latest news involving Man Utd?
According to UOL, United and bitter rivals Liverpool are interested in signing Antony this summer as they look to bolster their forward lines, while Calciomercato claim Juventus are also keen on the forward, who has a £29 million price tag.
The Brazil international was reportedly approached by Barcelona in April but would prefer a move to the Premier League.
And United could also raid Ten Hag’s former employers for the highly-rated Timber in order to solve their extensive defensive woes.
Transfer guru and well-respected reporter Fabrizio Romano recently revealed that the 20-year-old had been ‘discussed’ internally and was also mentioned in the first meeting between the Old Trafford hierarchy and Ten Hag.
What has O’Rourke said about Antony and Timber?
United have also been credited with an interest in fellow Ajax stars Lisandro Martinez and Sebastien Haller, but O’Rourke believes Antony and Timber are more likely to follow Ten Hag to Manchester.
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He told GiveMeSport: “Antony would definitely add some attacking flair to Manchester United's frontline if they were to sign him.
“He's been exceptional for Ajax, not just in the Eredivisie but also in the Champions League. So, I think those two probably would be the two players they’ll be looking at the most to bring in from Ajax.”
How good are Antony and Timber?
Antony, who is valued at £31.5m by Transfermarkt, has established himself as one of the most exciting young wingers in world football since arriving at the Johan Cruyff ArenA from boyhood club Sao Paulo in July 2020.
In 79 appearances across all competitions, the South American has registered 22 goals and 20 assists, claiming two Eredivisie titles and one Dutch Cup along the way, alongside an Olympic Gold Medal with Brazil.
Meanwhile, Timber, who is valued at £27m by Transfermarkt, is a product of Ajax’s famed academy, and although is more comfortable playing in the heart of defence, can also slot in at right-back.
As per FBref, the Netherlands international has ranked in the 99th percentile for pass completion, progressive passes, dribbles completed, and progressive passes received amongst his positional peers over the last year.
Timber also ranked in the 98th percentile for attempted passes and the 97th for progressive carries. At 5 foot 10, the youngster uses technical ability to combat his physical flaws and his arrival at United, alongside Antony, would surely be warmly welcomed by Ten Hag.