Antony 'takes legal action' over what Ajax did before he completed Man Utd transfer

Manchester United winger Antony has taken legal action against his former club Ajax, it has been reported.

The Brazil international signed for United from the Dutch giants for an initial fee of £85 million in the summer of 2022.

He was brought to Old Trafford by his former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag, and despite some encouraging early displays, his time in Manchester has not been successful.

He has not started a single Premier League game this season, with his two starts under new boss Ruben Amorim coming in the Europa League and Carabao Cup.

According to Spanish outlet ABC, La Liga side Real Betis are targeting a loan move for the 24-year-old after selling fellow winger Assane Diao to Como.

The same outlet claims that Antony has already turned down a move to Greek giants Olympiacos.

But while there is speculation around his future, Dutch outlet Algemeen Dagblad report that he is embroiled in a legal battle with former club Ajax.

It is claimed that the dispute relates to the fines that the Brazilian received for missing several training sessions and an Eredivisie match before completing his move to United in 2022.

The report alleges that Antony filed an arbitration case, with a spokesperson from the arbitration committee of the Dutch FA stating to AD that the case began on Monday, January 5 in Utrecht.

It is claimed that Antony wants the money back from Ajax as he believes the fines were imposed 'unlawfully'.

Man Utd forward Antony pictured (Image: Getty)

Ajax rejected two bids for the winger from United in the summer of 2022. prompting the player himself to publicly declare that he wanted to leave the Dutch club.

He said at the time: "Since February of this year, my agents came to Amsterdam to inform Ajax of my desire to leave to face new challenges.

"During the window months, meetings continued and I also received a proposal from Ajax for contract renewal. I made it clear once again: I want to leave.

"People need to listen to me and understand that my motivation moves me towards happiness. I need this to continue performing at a high level. Ajax will always be in my heart."

SPORTbible have contacted AFC Ajax for comment.