Antony may have sealed own Man Utd fate as star Jim Ratcliffe 'admires' makes preference

Under-fire star Antony may have already sealed his own Manchester United fate, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe keen to shake things up in the summer. The winger came under heavy criticism at the weekend for his now infamous celebration towards the Coventry City players, following the Wembley penalty shootout win in the FA Cup semi-final.

Antony - who cost United £86million two years ago - is yet to score in the Premier League this season, despite having played over 1,000 minutes. The 24-year-old has not proved value for money since joining from Ajax and could find himself at the heart of an INEOS-lef reshuffle this summer.

Ratcliffe and his band of recently appointed executives are gearing up for a busy summer window, which, alongside outgoings, will likely include plenty of incomings. One player rumoured to be on the Red Devil’s radar is Crystal Palace sensation Michael Olise, who has shone for the Eagles in the Premier League.

As per 90min, Olise is a long-time target for United, who are said to have been impressed by his versatility in attack. What’s more, Olise would be considered a potential replacement for Antony, should the Old Trafford outfit look to cash in at the end of the season.

Additionally, Olise isn’t believed to need much convincing, with the Crystal Palace star reportedly already open to a United move. That’s despite signing a new contract at Selhurst Park last summer, following keen interest - and a reported £35million offer - from London rivals Chelsea.

On top of that, given that Olise is registered as a home-grown talent, the 22-year-old fits the mould Ratcliffe and INEOS are targeting. The new-look United hierarchy want fresh, young talent from homegrown backgrounds to star in the club’s rebuild. Olise fits that bill.

However, there could be a stumbling block preventing Olise from securing an Old Trafford switch, with Palace believed to be holding out for a hefty fee. Olise is reported to have a £65million release clause inserted into his contract - an asking price Palace are unlikely to budge on.

Regardless, Antony’s United career will take some reviving, irrespective of the club’s plans with Olise. Not least if Erik ten Hag is sacked from his position as United boss, given he was the manager who brought Antony to the Premier League in the first place. Ten Hag’s future - much like Antony’s - is believed to be at risk following a string of disappointing performances in the dugout.