Man United Star Takes Former Club Ajax
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Antony is fighting a legal battle with Ajax as the Brazilian winger attempts to get fines imposed on him by his former club before his high-profile transfer to Manchester United in summer 2022. The case, which has big implications on his financial future, saw Antony challenge the manner in which Ajax handled tense negotiations that led to his £80million transfer to the Premier League.
The Transfer Saga and Missed Sessions
The transfer of Antony to Manchester United was not smooth. Throughout the transfer window, the Brazilian was proactive in trying to force a move, with Ajax growing increasingly frustrated. He missed sessions without permission as the move neared, and the Dutch outfit didn't ignore this. Such unauthorized absences saw Ajax fine Antony on three occasions.
Antony did not play for Ajax in the third game of the season against Sparta Rotterdam, and there were no injury concerns-which only further hurt his relationship with the club. Of course, his absence and what was happening in the background contributed to his transfer, but the way it went down frustrated Ajax.
The Disputed Fines
Imagine, when Antony finally made that much-talked-about transfer to Manchester United, he was shocked to find Ajax had deducted the fines from his pay packet. These fines reportedly ran into a few hundred thousand euros and were considered illegal by the player. Antony has taken the case to the arbitration committee of the Dutch national football association for money taken from him.
A spokesman for the committee said the case, which opened on Monday in Zeist, near Utrecht, would likely lead to a verdict in a month's time. The arbitration process was started six months ago.
Antony's struggles at Manchester United
Though Antony started off brightly in his Manchester United career, netting on his debut in a 3-1 win against Arsenal at Old Trafford, his time in England has been underwhelming so far. He has scored just five goals in the Premier League during three seasons, with 12 goals in 94 appearances across all competitions for the winger, who has failed to live up to expectations.
His struggles have led to growing speculation about his future at the club. With performances not at the level expected from a player of this stature, a number of clubs are reportedly keen on signing Antony. Both Greek side Olympiacos and La Liga's Real Betis have been linked with a potential loan move during the January transfer window, offering Antony an opportunity to rediscover his form elsewhere.
The Future of Antony in Manchester United
Despite his woes in the pitch, Antony's agent Junior Pedroso remained optimistic about the future of his client. In fact, the Brazilian manager recently confirmed a number of clubs are approaching him, considering his January move. "Many clubs approached us for the move of Antony in January," Pedroso had told GiveMeSport. "These clubs wanted to understand the situation for Antony, so I can confirm that there's concrete interest. I can say that Antony's future is very much tied to Manchester United's interests."
Pedroso stated that if United decides a loan move is best for Antony to regain his trust and form, they will work together on that option. If the club sees him as part of their plans, Antony will continue working hard to regain his place in the team under manager Ruben Amorim.
While Antony goes through the various challenges in both court and football, everyone's eyes are going to be on how this whole saga pans out in the courts and on the pitch. His future is very much open to question for now, and the next few months are crucial in deciding whether Antony can save his Manchester United career or will find success elsewhere.
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