Manchester United goal Antony is reportedly refusing to play for Ajax as he continues his attempts to force through a move to Old Trafford ahead of Thursday’s transfer deadline. The Brazilian won’t feature in Ajax’s Eredivisie clash with Utrecht on Sunday having made no secret of his desire to depart the club over the approaching days.
Amid interest from United, Antony pulled out of the Ajax squad ahead of their 1-0 success over Sparta Rotterdam last weekend. Speculation surrounding the 22-year-old’s future has since escalated further with the Dutch giants rejecting the Red Devils’ latest offer of £74.6million on Friday.
The Amsterdam outfit are regarded as holding out for a reported £84.8m, though they continue to be determined to retain the Samba star’s services this summer. Nonetheless, Ajax face the prospect of getting a disgruntled player of their ranks as Antony continues to make his feelings known over the club’s refusal to sanction his departure.
In response to the Sunday Mirror, the winger has now gone on strike with a view to force through a move to United. In yet one more twist to his transfer saga, Antony is known to be refusing to play against Utrecht on Sunday.
Man Utd takeover: What Ten Hag has told his players concerning the Glazers
Having already lost the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Sebastian Haller, Ryan Gravenberch, Noussair Mazraoui and Nicolas Tagliafico in the present window, Ajax head coach Alfred Schreuder has made it abundantly clear he doesn’t want to lose any more key personnel before Thursday’s transfer deadline. He said: “I can’t see why he desires to go to Manchester United.
“We’re playing within the Champions League they usually will not be. Yes, they’re a giant club, but so are we for my part. For me it is evident. I even have lost so many players, this boy is staying!’’
