Erik ten Hag plans to improve his right-wing role in January.
With Sir Jim Ratcliffe already making changes behind the scenes, there is a sense of hope about Manchester United right now.
However, their recent 2-2 tie with Spurs served as a stark reminder that the Red Devils are still far from their best.
As a result, Erik ten Hag will be anxious to bring at least one new face to Old Trafford in January, with the right-wing position earmarked as one to improve.
According to a report recently from Football Transfers, United’s new ownership group, INEOS, are rumoured to have a particular liking towards Marcus Edwards of Sporting.
The English player has become a target for the Red Devils, who are sure they can sign him for roughly £30 million.
However, according to United’s financial fair play standards, any move will most likely take place during the summer rather than in January.
Antony’s stint at Manchester United has been far from impressive, with the £82 million winger failing to live up to his high price tag.
The Brazilian has been so bad that he has not scored a single goal all season, and throughout his time in England, he has had more yellow cards than goals.
Due to his poor performances on the pitch, United are reportedly open to selling Antony in the summer in order to bolster their offense, which has an average of 1.14 goals per game in the Premier League.
Edwards, according to Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, has developed into a “wonderful” player since going to Portugal and might be signed to alleviate the club’s attacking issues.
No player has completed more dribbles in Liga NOS this season than Marcus Edwards (89).
21 years of age. Wonderful player. A pure joy to watch. pic.twitter.com/f7WGiT7jSC
— Football Talent Scout – Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) July 26, 2020
The winger has played 26 games for Sporting this season, scoring 11 goals and aiding his team to the Liga Portugal crown, but how does the 25-year-old compare to Antony in terms of league statistics?
The first obvious distinction that determines a player’s success today is their goals and assists. Antony’s record is awful, and he poses no threat in the final third, whereas Edwards may hurt the opponent with his ingenuity and scoring abilities.
Both wingers are left-footed, although Edwards can use his right to get to the byline, unlike Antony, who Paul Scholes refers to as a “one-trick pony”. The former Spurs player also outperforms Antony in terms of inventiveness, as evidenced by his critical passes, predicted assists, and shot-creating movements.
Furthermore, the Sporting star is a direct winger who enjoys challenging defenders and weaving among opponents. Edwards is also good at carrying the ball, which makes him dangerous on the break. Antony, on the other hand, plays far too conservatively, and his lack of acceleration makes it difficult for him to overcome a man, forcing him to play backwards.
Overall, Edward’s is a significant upgrade over Antony, and signing the Englishman would make Ten Hag’s team considerably more threatening in the last third.
