“Antony’s time at the club is coming to an end. The board is displeased with his performance,” remarked a source. United scouts have been observed attending matches on seven occasions, purportedly in search of a replacement for Antony.

According to reports, Manchester United scouts have closely monitored one of La Liga’s most promising forwards on seven occasions this season, indicating their interest in finding a potential replacement for Antony. Despite his much-heralded £86 million transfer from Ajax last summer, Antony has struggled to establish himself at Old Trafford.

Although Antony has shown flashes of brilliance, such as scoring on his debut against Arsenal and impressing with a stunning half-volley against Barcelona in the Europa League, his overall impact has been underwhelming. With just eight goals in 62 appearances for United so far and no goal contributions in 18 games this season, the Brazilian winger has failed to meet expectations.

In light of his difficulties, reports from The Sun suggest that United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, is already exploring options for a potential replacement for the 23-year-old. The report indicates that United scouts have been closely monitoring former Real Madrid winger Takefusa Kubo, who now plays for La Liga side Real Sociedad.

It is reported that United scouts have attended seven games involving Kubo this season, including his standout performance in a recent 0-0 draw against Real Betis. United is reportedly eager to strike a deal, with the possibility of offering Antony to Sociedad on loan as part of an agreement to sign Kubo. Additionally, United is said to be willing to accept a fee in the range of £43 million for the winger.

Kubo, 22, has demonstrated his talent with seven goals in 27 appearances for club and country this season, establishing himself as one of Sociedad’s key players since his £5.5 million move from Real Madrid last summer.

Meanwhile, Antony has recently addressed criticisms leveled against him since his move from Ajax, describing them as “unfair and malicious.” In an interview with The United Stand, he emphasized the pressure associated with playing for a prestigious club like Manchester United, reflecting on his challenging upbringing in a hostile environment.

“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.”

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.”