Sliding doors moment that could have seen Antony join Man City and not Manchester United

This season will see Antony attempt to help restore Manchester United as a major player in the Premier League. But had things turned out differently, the Brazilian could well have been one of the members of Manchester City's all-star cast.

Back in the summer of 2019, according to the Telegraph, Pep Guardiola's side lodged a bid of £17million for the winger who was then plying his trade in his homeland at Sao Paulo, and that Antony rejected the chance to join City. It is claimed the deal would have seen them loan him out to Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon that summer.

He instead ended up joining Ajax in early 2020 and after two successful campaigns in which he lifted two Dutch titles, he then completed a big-money switch to United this summer.

Read more:Antony explains why he joined United

The deal which was thrashed out has seen the 22-year-old put pen to paper on a five-year deal at Old Trafford, with the option of an additional year, after United agreed a fee rising to €100million (£85.1m) for his services earlier in the week. United have paid Ajax €95m up front, with €5m due in add-ons. The fee includes a solidarity payment to Sao Paulo.

The winger, who will not be able to make his debut until the visit of Arsenal on Sunday, said of his arrival at United: "This is an incredible moment in my career to be joining one of the most iconic clubs in the world. I’m thankful to everyone who has believed in me, especially my family, and all my coaches and team-mates, because I could not have got here without them.

"Playing under Erik ten Hag at Ajax was perfect for me and my development. His style of football and coaching brings out the best in me, and I am excited by what he has told me about his plans and ambitions in