Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag rejected any suggestion the impending arrival of Antony is an indication that Cristiano Ronaldo is surplus to requirements at Old Trafford. A deal is in place for United to sign the Brazilian forward from Ajax in a transfer worth a fixed fee of 80.6 million ($95 million), with a further 4.2 million in add-ons, agreed between the two clubs, reports DPA.

With medical and player terms still to be finalised before the transfer window shuts on Thursday evening, former Ajax boss Ten Hag was tight-lipped about a swift reunion with Antony. But Ten Hag insisted the signing merely augments United`s attack ahead of the club beginning their Europa League campaign next week, rather than a portent that Ronaldo may leave the club this week.