"It's very sad" - Ajax manager hits out as Antony closes in on Manchester United transfer

Ajax head coach Alfred Schreuder appeared to accuse Antony of being money-motivated as Manchester United close in on a deal to sign the Brazilian.

As reported by the Manchester Evening News , United are edging closer to completing the signing of the 22-year-old. The club saw a fresh bid for Antony knocked back on Friday but are confident of completing a deal that could cost close to €100million (£84.66m).

Antony was left out of the Ajax squad that beat FC Utrecht 2-0 on Sunday. He also missed last weekend's clash with Sparta Rotterdam after failing to train on Friday and Saturday in the build-up to the match, with several reports suggesting that he had chosen to go on 'strike'.

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Speaking ahead of kick-off against Utrecht, Schreuder insisted that no developments in relation to Antony's future had unfolded since last weekend's win over Rotterdam. However, following the conclusion of the match, Schreuder spoke with a different tone, saying: "Nowadays, everything is about money and I think this is sad. this our world, it's very sad and I don't approve that these things are happening to us."

Despite making that admission, the Ajax boss once again vowed that Antony will remain at the Johan Cruyff Arena beyond Thursday evening's deadline. Asked if he remains convinced that Antony will stay, Schreuder continued: "I stick to those words. I want to talk about the game, not about Antony. I have said more than enough about this."

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