Manchester United have confirmed the transfer of Ajax winger Anthony, who signs a deal worth 95 million euros, with additions of up to 100 million euros.
The two clubs have been negotiating for a long time, with the Dutch champions even turning down offers of €80m and €90m earlier in the window.
Anthony then made it clear that he wanted to move, and he missed his clubs’ Eredivisie matches to force them to move on, citing the stubbornness of his current employers as a reason he wasn’t already a United player.
“Since February of this year, our agents have come to Amsterdam to inform Ajax of my desire to leave the club to face a new challenge,” he said after Ajax rejected the English team’s €90 million offer.
How will Man United line up with Anthony?
In goal, David de Gea, despite his poor start to the season, where United have no rivals, will continue with a better alternative – Dean Henderson – on loan at Nottingham Forest. However, they can add a boost before closing the window.
In defence, Diogo Dalot and Terrell Malacia will start at full back. Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s style doesn’t quite fit in with Erik ten Hag’s team, while Malacia will start before struggling Luke Shaw.
In the middle, Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane are likely to pair, with Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire to backup.
The midfield will see the biggest changes, with Casemiro taking on the role of defensive midfielder, bridging the gap that has been in the United squad for several years.
He will play alongside his Danish counterpart, Christian Eriksen, who must hold his place despite the team’s poor start, as his quality is far superior to that of Fred and Scott McTominay.
Manchester United is “confident” of completing the full agreement with Ajax for Anthony in the coming hours. All parties agreed to negotiate a fee of 100 million euros, and now it was time to structure the deal and get it done. 🚨🔴 #MUFC
The player camp also feels like it’s now more than close. pic.twitter.com/pW6IAazSwP
– Fabrizio Romano August 28, 2022
Alongside them is Bruno Fernandes, who has been losing his form for a while, but can still contribute to the team, as he showed up in the win over Southampton.
The attack should start firing again and on the flanks will be the duo of Jadon Sancho and new employee Anthony.
Topping the standings will be Marcus Rashford, who will replace the star turner and last season’s top scorer, Cristiano Ronaldo.
