Antony, the Brazilian winger, has only managed to play one minute in Manchester United’s first three Premier League matches this season. Despite his desire to feature more regularly, sources have indicated that his preference is to remain at Old Trafford even if Fenerbahce were to present a formal offer. This decision may be attributed to the fact that Antony still has three years left on his current contract with the club.
Rasmus Højlund, who suffered a hamstring injury during United’s preseason tour of the U.S. against Arsenal, was expected to be out for six weeks. However, sources have revealed that the club is taking a cautious approach to his rehabilitation. The concern stems from the fact that Højlund did not have sufficient time to build up his fitness during the summer, having played in the Euro 2024 tournament for Denmark.
United’s medical team is closely monitoring Højlund’s progress, ensuring that he is not rushed back into action prematurely. The club aims to prevent a recurrence of last season’s injury issues, which significantly impacted their performance in the Premier League. With several key players currently sidelined due to injuries, including Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Victor Lindelöf, and Leny Yoro, United is taking a cautious approach to Højlund’s recovery process.
In the absence of Højlund, manager Erik ten Hag has made tactical adjustments, deploying midfielder Bruno Fernandes as a false number nine and granting summer signing Joshua Zirkzee his full debut. Zirkzee recently showcased his potential by scoring his first international goals for the Netherlands in a Nations League match.
Despite the challenges posed by injuries and a slow start to the season, Manchester United remains focused on achieving long-term success. The club’s decision to retain Antony and exercise caution in Højlund’s recovery reflects their commitment to building a strong and resilient team capable of competing at the highest level in domestic and international competitions.
Overall, Manchester United’s approach to handling player contracts and injuries demonstrates their dedication to maintaining stability and continuity within the squad. By prioritizing the well-being and long-term development of their players, the club aims to overcome current challenges and achieve success in the future.
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