Antony Matheus dos Santos (born 24 February 2000), simply known as Antony, is a Brazilian professional football player who plays as a winger for Eredivisie club Ajax and the Brazil national team.

The Brazilian winger, Antony Matheus  has been United’s preferred attacking target all summer but talks hit a major stumbling block earlier this summer as Ajax dug their feet in and demanded a fee of around €100m, prompting United to take a step back.

With talks making little progress, Antony began the season with Ajax and has been in dazzling form thus far. He bagged a goal and an assist in a 6-1 thumping of Groningen, but his display went under the radar somewhat because of a hat-trick from former Tottenham man Steven Bergwijn.

After the game, Antony Matheus spoke to NOS about United’s interest and a possible reunion with Erik ten Hag.

“Will Ten Hag call me? No idea,” the winger said. “He will have to call my agents, I’m focused on here. What will come will come, we’ll see.” Antony said.

He added: “I feel good at Ajax. I give everything for this club, every minute. I love this city and this club.”

90min understands United were hoping to get a deal for Antony done at closer to the €70m mark, and although they have taken a step back from the negotiating table for now, they have made it clear to Ajax that the money is there if they change their mind.

As for Antony, he is understood to have been left somewhat frustrated by Ajax’s stubborn stance and United hope that will work in their advantage as the transfer window rumbles on.

Antony is a graduate of São Paulo’s youth system and scored six goals in 52 appearances for the club. He joined Ajax in 2020 and has won two Eredivisie titles and one KNVB Cup.

Antony won a gold medal with the Brazil under-23 team at the 2020 Summer Olympics. He scored on his senior international debut against Venezuela in October 2021.