Antony misses first day of Ajax pre-season training amid Manchester United transfer interest

Manchester United transfer target Antony was absent from Ajax's first day of pre-season training on Friday, automatically fuelling further speculation about his future in Amsterdam.

New manager Alfred Schreuder, who was installed as Erik ten Hag's replacement at the Johan Cruyff Arena last month, took charge of proceedings for the first time, as he gets to know his players implement his ethos and methods. It is the first time Ajax have had a different manager at the helm since Ten Hag was appointed back in December 2017.

However, while the session included the likes of goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg, Juventus loanee Mohamed Ihattaren and several others, there was no sign of Antony. The winger was not pictured participating at any stage of the session. Jurrien Timber was also absent, but he was not expected back on Friday as he was granted an extended break following his participation in the Netherlands' Nations League games earlier in June.

However, Antony was not involved in the Brazil squad for their recent June internationals, failing to earn a call-up, meaning an extended break because of international commitments cannot have been the reason behind his absence. Ajax have not confirmed why he was missing from Schreuder's first training session, prompting speculation concerning his immediate future amid ongoing links with a move to Old Trafford to mount.

United have identified the 22-year-old as their ideal option to bolster their right-wing options and solve what has been a problematic position for them over the last few years. But despite being absent from the first day of pre-season, Antony's future was addressed by Schreuder.

"Clearly, we want to keep the boy," Schreuder told ESPN. "He has a contract until