Antony faces Man Utd axe as Sir Jim Ratcliffe 'identifies exciting first transfer target'

Antony's time at Manchester United could be up if they complete an eye-catching transfer to start the Sir Jim Ratcliffe era.

Posted Thursday, January 04, 2024 by Express.co.uk

Manchester United want to make Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise one of the first signings of the Sir Jim Ratcliffe era this summer, according to reports. The Red Devils could be ready to call time on Antony's Old Trafford career by pursuing one of the Premier League's most exciting talents.

Sir Jim and INEOS have already started work at Carrington while they wait for the Premier League to ratify a £1.3billion deal for a 25 per cent stake in the club.

Sir Dave Brailsford will complete a thorough transfer audit ahead of the summer as part of a structural shake-up to improve United's disastrous recruitment over the last decade.

A switch in strategy is almost guaranteed, with Sir Jim hoping to appoint a new sporting director and head of recruitment in the coming months.

And Olise has reportedly emerged as one of the 71-year-old tycoon's first transfer targets, potentially as part of a Premier League-proven pool of signings that could become more common at Old Trafford.

According to the Evening Standard, United have started drawing up possible summer targets behind the scenes, and Olise is high on their list.

It's claimed that the Red Devils are plotting a squad shake-up at the end of the season, which looks set to involve significant change in Erik ten Hag's attack.

The report adds that Olise won't be leaving Palace in January. However, his new contract, which he signed after rejecting Chelsea in August, features a release clause that becomes active this summer.

It is expected to be worth significantly more than his previous £35m release clause, which Chelsea triggered before facing rejection.

And while Palace don't want the 22-year-old winger to leave Selhurst Park, they would have no control if his new clause is met later this year.

United will view Olise - who joined Palace for £8m from Reading in 2021 - as a player capable of upgrading Ten Hag's toothless attack.

The Old Trafford giants have scored just 22 Premier League goals this season, a tally that only eclipses the bottom two, Burnley and Sheffield United.

Olise has been in sensational form since returning from a hamstring injury in November, scoring five goals in seven league starts, including four in his last four.

Meanwhile, Antony has failed to register a single goal or assist in 21 appearances this season. Ten Hag's decision to splash £86m on the former Ajax star reflects worse on the Dutchman every game.

Sir Jim could quickly rectify the recruitment mistake with the signing of Olise, though. United's interest surely wouldn't go unrivalled, though, especially if the France U21 international continues to shine.