'He wants' - Agent of £86m Manchester United star speaks out on future amid exit links

Manchester United have made their first two signings of the summer this month with Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro arriving at Old Trafford from Bologna and Lille respectively. On Saturday, Erik ten Hag’s side beat Rangers 2-0 in their latest pre-season friendly with Amad Diallo and Joe Hugill scoring in each half.

As well as focusing on incomings, there are also departures United need to consider before the window closes at the end of next month. Mason Greenwood, Willy Kambwala, Alvaro Carreras and Donny van de Beek have all moved on while the likes of Raphael Varane, Anthony Martial and Brandon Williams were all released following the conclusion of their contracts.

One player who has been linked with an exit is Brazilian winger Antony, who joined United in an £86m deal from Ajax two years ago. Since then he has made 82 appearances, with 11 goals and five assists. He scored just one Premier League goal in 29 outings last term but netted twice in four FA Cup matches, including the equaliser in the dramatic quarter final with Liverpool as United went on to win the game 4-3 in extra time.

Amid reports claiming Antony would be moved on after some of his on-pitch struggles last season, his agent Junior Pedroso has spoken out saying the player wants to remain at Old Trafford. Speaking, via Fabrizio Romano, he said: “I see reports about potential exit on loan. Antony’s plan is clear: Manchester United. He wants to stay, he’s only focused on Man United. We already spoke about that with the club”.

Antony said last season the criticism of his performances only gave him motivation to improve and insisted his £86m price tag did not weigh on his mind.

Speaking at the end of April, he said: “It (the transfer fee) doesn’t really impact me because I know my worth, the money is the money and obviously everyone speaks about it but no one would if the performances of everyone and myself were at the top. It’s something that is just a way of working harder, knowing I can get better, I know my worth and I will (show it). The critics are going to exist, and it’s something that makes me want to work harder, and prove to myself first. I’m going to keep working, giving everything for the group because it’s most important to have a good mentality and to be focused."