Antony, the Brazilian winger, has expressed his desire to stay at Manchester United despite Fenerbahce showing interest in signing him before the transfer deadline. Sources have reported that Antony is determined to feature more regularly in the team, especially after having played only one minute in the first three Premier League games of the season. Even though he has struggled to find form since his £82 million move from Ajax in 2022, he is adamant about staying at Old Trafford.
On the other hand, United are facing concerns regarding Rasmus Højlund’s injury rehabilitation. The 21-year-old striker suffered a hamstring injury during the preseason tour in the U.S. Sources have revealed that the club is taking a cautious approach to Højlund’s recovery, as they want to ensure that he is fully fit before returning to the pitch. This decision is particularly influenced by the fact that Højlund had minimal training and fitness buildup during the summer break.
Manchester United’s injury problems have been compounded by the absence of key players such as Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Victor Lindelöf, and Leny Yoro. The team’s performance has suffered as a result, with two defeats in the first three games of the season, including a significant loss to Liverpool. In the absence of Højlund, manager Erik ten Hag has had to make tactical adjustments, including deploying midfielder Bruno Fernandes as a false No.9.
Sources have indicated that Manchester United are planning a gradual approach to reintegrating Højlund into the squad to avoid any setbacks in his recovery. The team is determined to avoid a recurrence of last season’s injury issues, which adversely impacted their league performance. By adopting a cautious and methodical approach to Højlund’s return, United aims to ensure that the young striker is fully prepared physically and mentally before making his comeback.
Manchester United’s resolve to retain Antony despite external interest from Fenerbahce demonstrates the club’s commitment to their players. Simultaneously, the cautious approach to Rasmus Højlund’s rehabilitation reflects the team’s dedication to prioritizing player welfare and long-term success over short-term gains. As United navigates through a challenging period marked by injuries and tactical adjustments, the focus remains on building a strong and competitive team for the remainder of the season.