Man Utd receive Rivaldo transfer approval as Brazil legend gives Antony advice

Manchester United's ambitions of signing Ajax forward Antony this summer have been met by the approval of former Brazilian star Rivaldo.

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is United's priority transfer target and has already discussed a potential transfer to the Red Devils on the phone, with the United boss outlining the role the player would enjoy under him at Old Trafford. Central midfield is an area United need to bolster their options ahead of several key departures this term. De Jong has been identified as the leading candidate for the club in the position and the Dutchman is at the top of the Red Devils' shortlist of summer transfer targets.

However, Antony is another leading target for Ten Hag who is keen to reunite with the 22-year-old - Ajax's star player last season. United are in pole position to land the Brazilian given his strong relationship with the Red Devils boss at the Amsterdam Arena while the player's representatives have travelled to Europe in order to discuss a possible transfer this summer.

Antony played 33 games last season for the Dutch giants, where he scored 12 goals and provided 10 assists before missing the final segment of the campaign through injury. He also played nine games in the South American Qualifiers for the World Cup for the Brazilian national team and scored two goals.

Rivaldo has now said, speaking to Betfair: "Antony can do wonders at Manchester United and the World Cup. He enjoyed a fantastic 2021/22 season and I'm sure he attracted the attention of bigger clubs.

"At the moment, Manchester United - who have his former manager Erik ten Hag - seems to be the closest club to signing him and I'm confident we'll all enjoy watching him play at Old Trafford. He might benefit from playing at a bigger club to get closer to being a regular at the World Cup, though I also think his place in the squad is safe since Tite has been calling him up lately and has confidence in his qualities."

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The Brazilian is primarily a right-sided player, which would add balance to United's attack with Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford primarily deployed on the left. Anthony Elanga also recently claimed that he preferred to play on the left rather than on the right, where he had been utilised by former United interim boss Ralf Rangnick.

United are yet to make any signings to their first-team squad this summer despite Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, Lee Grant and Nemanja Matic all leaving the club at the end of their respective contracts.