Man Utd scouts spotted watching potential Antony replacement on seven occasions from the stands

Manchester United scouts have watched one of La Liga's most highly-rated forwards on seven occasions this season, according to reports, as they seek a potential replacement for Antony.

Since his much-anticipated £86 million arrival from Ajax last summer, Antony has struggled to make a real impact at Old Trafford.

He has shown glimpses since the big-money move. A goal on his debut against Arsenal was the perfect start to life in Manchester, and his half-volley against Barcelona in the Europa League earned plaudits.

But the Brazilian has managed just eight goals in 62 appearances for United thus far. In fact, he has yet to register a single goal contribution in 18 games so far this season.

And amid his struggles, The Sun suggest Ten Hag is 'already seeking a potential replacement' for the 23-year-old winger.

The report goes on to add that United scouts are tracking former Real Madrid winger Takefusa Kubo, who now plays for fellow La Liga side Real Sociedad.

It is believed scouts have already attended seven games involving Kubo this season, including his Man of the Match performance in their 0-0 draw against Real Betis on Sunday.

United appear keen on making a deal happen. The report also suggests the Premier League club could offer Antony to Sociedad on loan as part of a potential agreement to sign Kubo.

It is understood they would also accept a fee in the region of £43 million for the winger.

Kubo, 22, has scored seven goals in 27 appearances for club and country this season. He is viewed as one of Sociedad's best players following his £5.5 million move from Los Blancos last summer.

Image credit: Getty

On the subject of Antony, the Brazilian recently hit out at those who have made “unfair and malicious" criticisms towards him since his move from Ajax last summer.

Speaking to The United Stand, he said: "Pressure has always been with us for those who play in big clubs, especially regarding United.

“My life has always been very challenging, and I have had to go through many situations that many cannot imagine. I grew up in a hostile place, where eating, having a good house, having the internet, and access to a good education were a privilege; I would say that for us on the ‘favelas,’ all of these were a luxury few people could have.

“This was a period in which I learned to deal with pressure and challenges. The pressure of life. Today, I see criticism coming from former club players and other people in the media, who unreasonably express their opinions and influence thousands of fans, sometimes even when I do not play.

"But I’ve never seen them give constructive criticism, which will help me be a better professional."

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Antony added: “None of them have ever sent me a message to see how I am feeling, especially during this period of turbulence that I am going through. The ‘digital court’ is ruining lives; contexts are left aside, and the truth no longer matters.

“I am silently rebuilding myself, and I know that I will be able to be in my best physical and mental shape and overcome all these barriers and challenges that are in front of me because it has always been like this in my life; no one has ever given me anything, I have always fought hard for everything I achieved.

“I would like to know how these people who make these unfair and malicious criticisms fared in my place. I’m 23 years old, and my life has changed radically in the last four years. It wasn’t easy to assimilate and understand all those changes.

“My daily battle is getting back in my best shape and performing at the highest level on the field, regaining my integrity, and having peace of mind.

"I advise those young players to take care of their mental side and work hard; then, things will happen naturally.”