Having signed Casemiro, Manchester United’s next target appears to be a winger – and it looks likely that the club will sign one from Erik ten Hag’s old stomping ground, the Eredivisie.
The two options United appear to be exploring are Antony, who played under Ten Hag at Ajax, and Cody Gakpo, who has caught the eye as a rising star at PSV and has caught the eye of a number of Europe’s top clubs.
Antony, 23, arrived at Ajax from Sao Paolo back in 2020 and played an important role as Ten Hag’s side won the last two Dutch titles.
He’s made 80 appearances for the club under Ten Hag, who has looked to the Netherlands when it comes to United’s recruitment strategy this summer.
Lisandro Martinez played under the United boss at Ajax, Christian Eriksen developed his craft in the club’s famous academy and left-back Tyrell Malacia was signed from Feyenoord. Top target Frenkie de Jong, now at Barcelona, also came through at Ajax under Ten Hag.
Gakpo, also 23, has also been linked with Arsenal and Newcastle and enjoyed a stunning 2021-22 campaign, arguably PSV’s standout player as they beat Ajax in the KNVB Cup and were just pipped to the title.
“Now they are focused on a new winger,” transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano said on his latest YouTube update.
“They are focused on Antony. I’m told that the player wants a move. He’s really pushing for this move. This is why he was not training with the team on Friday, but just at the training ground, in the gym. Antony told Ajax, with his agents, that he wants the proposal to be discussed. Ajax said no to an €80million bid, Antony’s pushing for the two clubs to discuss.
“Man United, what are they doing? They are still there, they will try for Antony in case Ajax change their position, but at the same point they are keeping contact with the agents of Cody Gakpo, a cheaper option.”
But which of the two Eredivisie wingers is the better player? We’ve compared their league stats from last season.
Goals
Cody Gakpo – 12
Antony – 8
Cody Gakpo passes the comp test with ease. pic.twitter.com/w5yxxJZfaP
— Frank 🇩🇪 (@TenHagEra) August 6, 2022
Assists
Cody Gakpo – 13
Antony – 4
Minutes per goal
Cody Gakpo – 159.2
Antony – 217
Minutes per goal or assist
Cody Gakpo – 76.4
Antony – 144.6
Chances created per 90 minutes
Cody Gakpo – 3.3
Antony – 1.9
Successful dribbles per 90 minutes (success rate)
Cody Gakpo – 3.6 (59.01%)
Antony – 2.2 (59.5%)
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