Antony's agent speaks out on Manchester United exit rumours amid Saudi Pro League transfer reports

Antony's agent has responded to rumours of a potential move to the Saudi Pro League amid ongoing speculation over his future at Manchester United.

The Brazilian winger, who became the second most expensive signing in United's history in September 2022 – when he joined from Ajax for £86 million – has failed to register a single goal or assist in the Premier League this season.

As a result of his poor form, Antony continues to be strongly linked with a move away from Old Trafford.

In fact, according to a report from The Evening Standard this week, the 23-year-old has been offered to clubs in the Saudi Pro League as United try and 'recoup' some of his transfer fee.

However, Antony’s agent Junior Pedrosa played down those suggestions in a recent interview before opening up about the player's form.

“Manchester has so far not communicated any interest in transferring him in either the January or summer window," Pedroso told United In Focus.

“Antony is focused on these four months of the season so he can improve his performance, knowing that he needs to score goals and assists. This is his focus. Today our head is on Manchester United.

“He knows very well that he needs to score, there’s no point in just playing good games, he has to score goals and provide assists.

Pedroso added: "He is very coherent about this. He will come back different, his head has become a little key and certainly in these four months he will show much more than he showed this season.”

Last month, Antony issued a defiant response to ongoing criticism from "former clubs players and other people in the media" during an interview.

Image credit: Getty

He also hit out at those who have made “unfair and malicious" criticisms towards him.

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."