Ruben Amorim, the recently appointed manager of Manchester United, is reportedly gearing up for a major shake-up within the squad during the upcoming January transfer window. Among the players rumored to be on their way out is Brazilian winger Antony, whose time at Old Trafford has been far from successful. The former Ajax star has failed to live up to expectations since his big-money move to Manchester, and he is now said to be viewed as a “disruptive influence” within the team.
This development comes after a turbulent start to the Premier League season for United, under the stewardship of Erik ten Hag. Despite high hopes for the Dutch manager, the Red Devils managed just three wins in their opening nine league fixtures, leaving them languishing in the lower half of the table. The poor form prompted the club to appoint Ruud van Nistelrooy as an interim manager, and although the United legend steadied the ship slightly by securing four points from two matches, it became clear that more drastic changes were needed. Enter Ruben Amorim, the highly-rated Portuguese coach who arrived with a mandate to revitalize the struggling team.
Amorim, who enjoyed tremendous success with Sporting Lisbon, wasted no time in pinpointing areas of concern within the squad. Antony’s name was reportedly high on his list of players who do not fit into his long-term plans. The winger has featured in just five matches across all competitions this season, and his inconsistent displays, coupled with two unremarkable years at the club, have led United to consider offloading him. According to The Daily Star, the club is open to either selling Antony permanently or arranging a loan deal in January.
One name being floated as a potential replacement for Antony is Geovany Quenda, the exciting young forward currently plying his trade at Sporting Lisbon. Amorim is said to be a big admirer of the Portuguese sensation, and his arrival would signal a clear shift in United’s attacking approach. Quenda’s qualities—youth, creativity, and familiarity with Amorim’s tactical setup—make him an ideal candidate to slot into the manager’s preferred 3-4-3 formation. This system prioritizes high pressing, fluid attacking movements, and quick transitions, areas where Antony has often struggled to deliver.
The decision to part ways with Antony is significant, given the substantial investment United made to bring him to the Premier League in 2022. His hefty price tag placed immense pressure on him to perform, but his inability to adapt to the demands of English football has rendered him expendable under Amorim’s tenure. The move could offer Antony a chance to reignite his career elsewhere while allowing United to focus on players better suited to Amorim’s vision.
Geovany Quenda’s potential arrival could provide a much-needed boost to a United attack that has been one of the least effective in the league this season. Amorim’s proactive efforts to bring in players like Quenda underline the urgency with which he is addressing the squad’s shortcomings. Backed by the club, the Portuguese manager appears determined to make bold changes, signaling a new era at Old Trafford.
For Antony, a January exit might be the best outcome. A fresh start in a different environment could help him rediscover his confidence and form, while United would benefit from freeing up space and resources to support Amorim’s plans. However, questions remain over whether potential suitors would be willing to match United’s valuation of the player, given his underwhelming performances.
Ultimately, Ruben Amorim’s decisiveness in reshaping the squad could be pivotal in turning United’s season around. With the club’s support, his vision for a more dynamic and cohesive team is beginning to take shape. If executed effectively, these changes could help restore Manchester United as a competitive force in the Premier League, giving fans hope for a brighter future under their
new manager.