Manchester United can sign the perfect alternative if Antony transfer plan fails

After completing the signing of Jadon Sancho last July, nobody in their wildest dreams would have expected Manchester United to still be on the hunt for a right-winger almost 12 months later.

But with just six weeks to go until the start of the 2022/23 Premier League campaign, United find themselves in the same position once again. It is an area of the team that has troubled them for several years and Sancho was signed with a view to bringing that problem to an end.

However, the England international's best performances in an underwhelming debut season at Old Trafford came on the left-wing, meaning United are still no closer to solving this particular puzzle. New manager Erik ten Hag, who is yet to complete his first signing as Reds boss, has prioritised strengthening this area of the squad as one of his main objectives and has identified Ajax star Antony as the solution.

READ MORE: Frenkie de Jong stubbornness has given Manchester United a harsh reality check

The 22-year-old Brazilian, who is blessed with a wand of a left-foot and silky skills, has gone from strength-to-strength since joining Ajax from Sao Paulo in 2020, establishing himself as one of the most highly sought-after wingers in European football. He was outstanding last season, scoring 12 goals and grabbing ten assists, helping Ajax scoop their third and final Eredivisie title of the trophy-laden Ten Hag era.

But although the appeal of joining United has reportedly got Antony licking his lips, a deal might not be so straightforward for the Reds to pull off. Ajax have already lost key personnel in the form of Noussair Mazraoui and Ryan Gravenberch, both to Bayern Munich, this summer and United's interest in bringing Jurrien Timber to Old Trafford is not