Man Utd already scouting Antony replacement as they watch £43million former Real Madrid wonderkid

MANCHESTER UNITED are eyeing up former Real Madrid wonderkid Takefusa Kubo as a replacement for winger Antony.

Antony, 22, joined Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford in the summer of 2022 for a huge £85.5million.

Takefusa Kubo is being linked with a move to Manchester UnitedGetty

Antony has made very little impact since arriving at Old Trafford for a huge feeReuters

But he has been bitterly disappointing for the Red Devils, scoring just eight goals and providing three assists in 62 appearances.

He is yet to register a single goal contribution in 18 games so far this season.

And Ten Hag is already seeking a potential replacement for the ex-Ajax man – with Man Utd having sent scouts to watch Kubo on at least SEVEN occasions this season.

Japan international Kubo, 22, spent four years in Barcelona‘s famous La Masia academy, before he went on to sign for Real Madrid in 2019.

He never featured for Los Blancos’ first team as the Spanish giants farmed him out on loan to Mallorca, Villarreal and Getafe.

He permanently departed the Bernabeu before last season as Real Sociedad signed him for £5.5m.

And he has been a revelation for the LaLiga outfit, scoring 15 goals and providing 13 assists in 67 games.

His impressive performances saw Napoli offer £26m in the summer, but Sociedad rejected the bid.

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Kubo has been sensational for Real Sociedad so far this season

Getty

Erik ten Hag could be set to replace Antony[/caption]

The club are in a strong negotiating position as the player has a contract until 2027.

It is understood they would accept a fee in the region of £43m for the winger – who predominantly plays on the right but can also be utilised as a No10.

Man Utd scouts have been present at a host of his games since the start of the new campaign – including Sociedad’s goalless draw with Real Betis on Sunday where he was named Player of the Match.

And it is understood Man Utd will continue to monitor his progress.

In order to get a deal over the line, Man Utd could offer Antony on loan as part of the agreement to sign Kubo – who has 29 caps for his country.

Sociedad sit sixth in LaLiga and won their Champions League group ahead of Inter Milan, Benfica and RB Salzburg.

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