Recent reports have indicated that Antony is determined to stay at Manchester United despite interest from Fenerbahce. The Brazilian winger has only featured for one minute in the team’s first three Premier League games of the season. Despite his desire to play more regularly, it seems that his preference is to remain at Old Trafford, even if Fenerbahce were to make a formal offer. Antony, who still has three years left on his contract, has been struggling for form since his big-money move from Ajax in 2022.
Sources have revealed that Erik ten Hag, the current manager of Manchester United, would be reluctant to lose Antony, especially after the departure of Jadon Sancho to Chelsea on transfer deadline day in the UK. It seems that there is still hope that Antony could find his form and contribute positively to the team in the future.
On another note, Rasmus Højlund, the young Danish striker, suffered a hamstring injury during United’s preseason tour of the U.S. Sources have disclosed that the club will not rush his recovery, even if it means keeping him sidelined for longer than initially expected. The cautious approach to Højlund’s rehabilitation stems from concerns that he has not had sufficient time to build up his fitness during the summer break.
United are keen to avoid rushing Højlund back into action too soon, especially considering the injury woes that plagued the team last season. With key players like Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Victor Lindelöf, and Leny Yoro currently out due to injury, it is crucial for the team to manage Højlund’s return carefully. The goal is to avoid a repeat of last season’s struggles, which saw United finish in a disappointing eighth place in the Premier League.
The Tactical Adjustments in Højlund’s Absence
In the absence of Højlund, manager Erik ten Hag has had to make tactical adjustments, including deploying midfielder Bruno Fernandes as a false No.9 and giving summer signing Joshua Zirkzee his full debut against Liverpool. Zirkzee, who recently scored his first goals for the Netherlands in their Nations League match, has been tasked with filling the void left by Højlund’s injury.
The future looks uncertain for both Antony and Rasmus Højlund at Manchester United. While Antony is determined to stay and prove himself, Højlund’s road to recovery is being approached with caution to ensure he makes a full and sustainable return to the team. As United navigates through a challenging period of injuries and tactical adjustments, only time will tell how these two players will fit into the club’s plans moving forward.
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