Man United ‘give green light to shock Antony swap deal’ in January after the £85m star’s troubled start to the season – as the Red Devils eye a new forward to bolster Erik ten Hag’s struggling attack

Manchester United have reportedly given the ‘green light’ to part ways with Antony in January in a remarkable swap deal that could see him move back to Brazil. 

The 23-year-old has struggled since his £85.5million arrival at Old Trafford in the summer of 2022, scoring just eight times in 54 appearances across all competitions. 

The Brazilian is also also yet to open his account for the 2023-24 season despite having played in 10 games for Erik ten Hag‘s side and has been criticised for his conduct on the pitch.

United are now, according to The Mirror, looking to bolster their attacking options and could offer Antony in a part exchange deal for Flamengo forward Gabriel Barbosa. 

The deal would reportedly see the former Ajax winger move to the Brazilian top-flight side on a part-exchange loan.

Erik ten Hag’s side are looking to bolster their attacking options after having struggled in front of goal this season

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A permanent deal for Antony is unlikely, with his contract set to expire in 2027. 

Antony has also missed several games this season after he was given a leave of absence to defend himself against domestic abuse allegations that were made against him by three women. 

The forward returned to Brazil in September to address the allegations before coming back to the United Kingdom where he met with Greater Manchester Police. 

He subsequently featured in United’s 2-1 victory against Brentford at the start of October.

The Red Devils have had difficulties in front of goal this season, with Marcus Rashford only scoring once and £72m striker Rasmus Hojlund still waiting for his first in the Premier League.

United are eighth in the Premier League standings having found the back of the net just 12 times this season.

Bruno Fernandes proved pivotal during Man United’s 1-0 win against Fulham on Saturday, scoring a last-gasp goal to help his side bounce back from consecutive 3-0 drubbings at the hands of Manchester City and Newcastle.

Barbosa scored 20 times in 55 appearances across all competitions for Flamengo last season.

The 27-year-old, who plays as a centre-forward, has been linked with a move to the Premier League for some time, with Arsenal, West Ham and Newcastle having previously shown an interest in signing him. 

United could swap the former Ajax winger for Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa (pictured)

Barbosa scored 20 times across all competitions last season for the Brazilian side

After starting his career with Santos, the Brazilian has spent some time in Europe, playing at Benfica and Inter Milan and notably endured a difficult loan spell with the Serie A side in 2019. 

Since then he has found his form, going on to attract the attention of many clubs around Europe having also scored 29 goals in the 2021-22 season in all competitions. 

Mail Sport reported earlier this week that United are looking to acquire a new striker in the January transfer window to ease the burden on Hojlund. 

Ten Hag’s side have been linked with Brentford’s Ivan Toney and Napoli star Victor Osimhen.