Yahoo Sports ‘They didn’t want me’: 51 G/A PL whiz declares he ‘almost’ signed for Utd, they’re ruing their decision
In Erik ten Hag’s first two transfer windows as Manchester United manager, he made some questionable acquisitions that, perhaps, wouldn’t have stood had INEOS been in charge.
A £70 million move for the ageing Casemiro comes to mind, who, despite performing stellarly in his first campaign, was well past his best at the point of making the switch. Now, he plays no part in Ruben Amorim’s plans.
However, what could well go down as the worst piece of business in United’s history – as most fans would agree – is Antony, for whom the club forked out a ludicrous £82m to get the deal over the line after Ten Hag personally pushed to be reunited with his ex-Ajax protegee at Old Trafford.
Prior to his signing, United had been hot in pursuit of a like-for-like target in the form of Cody Gakpo. He’d just notched 36 (21G + 15A) goal contributions playing for PSV in 2021/2022, while Antony had recorded 22 (12G 10A).
United undoubtedly left ruing Gakpo decision
It seemed a no-brainer, right? The more effective player was available and more than ready to join Ten Hag’s project while also posing as a substantially cheaper option. Yet, what Ten Hag wanted, Ten Hag was granted. United failed to haggle Ajax’s valuation down at all before they committed to paying the full price for Antony, after which Gakpo would eventually go on to sign for Liverpool for just £36m at the end of 2022.
The two ex-Eredivisie prospects have since endured Premier League careers that have been worlds apart. Antony has five goals and three assists to his name in two-and-a-half seasons in England’s top flight. Earlier this week, he was shipped off on loan to Real Betis in hopes of reviving his stagnant form, having failed to impress Ruben Amorim.
As for Gakpo, he boasts 23 goals and 11 assists in 78 league appearances and has played an integral role in the Anfield outfit’s resurgence under Arne Slot.
He spoke to TNT Sports ahead of his side’s final Champions League first-phase fixture and revealed how close he was to donning the red of his now-arch-rivals.
“In the summer of 2022, I was almost planning to leave [PSV], and I almost went to United at the end [of the window],” Gakpo divulged. “They didn’t want me anymore – things happened and everything. Then I could stay here and speak to other clubs.”
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