Incoming Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim wants a former Spurs youth product to help spearhead his Old Trafford revolution.
The 39-year-old looks increasingly likely to join the North West side after notice was given to Sporting Lisbon investors of the approach from United and that a deal is likely to be completed.
Amorim himself insists his future has yet to be decided, despite Manchester United willing to pay the £8.3million termination clause in his contract and reports he has verbally agreed to a move to Old Trafford.
After Sporting’s Portuguese League Cup win over Nacional on Tuesday evening, Amorim told reporters: “Nothing is decided yet. I don’t know if it’s the farewell game or not.”
One thing is for certain though – if he does join he will need reinforcements to help his rebuild.
Sources have revealed to TEAMtalk that Amorim has already informed Man Utd’s board of that he wants three Sporting players.
This includes centre-back Goncalo Inacio as well winger Pedro Goncalves.
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But most interesting the Portuguese boss also wants former Tottenham right winger Marcus Edwards – with Antony likely on his way out of Old Trafford.
Born in London, the 25-year-old only made one sub appearance for Spurs with loan moves to Norwich and Excelsior before joining Vitória de Guimarães where he finally came to the fore.
He moved to Sporting for a fee of €7.67million and has since played multiple times in the Champions League.
Last night in his post-match press conference, Amorim added: “We have to wait a little bit more to explain everything I need to explain and then everything will be very clear.
“It’s my decision. I will tell everything so we have to wait. That’s it.”
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Asked if he will be in the dugout at Old Trafford for Sunday’s game against Chelsea, Amorim added: “I will be here. I don’t know.”
The 39-year-old has recently been suggested as a possible successor to Pep Guardiola given his links with Manchester City’s incoming director of football Hugo Viana, although the Premier League champions have downplayed those rumours as mere speculation.
United’s controversial 2-1 defeat at West Ham, in which Jarrod Bowen’s disputed late penalty proved decisive, was the final straw. A club statement shortly before noon on Monday read: “Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager.
“Erik was appointed in April 2022 and led the club to two domestic trophies, winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.
“We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future.”
Ruud van Nistelrooy has been put in interim charge ahead of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie at home to Leicester.