Ajax were shocked by Manchester United “overpay” for Antony

The Brazilian striker has struggled to live up to expectations at Old Trafford.

Gary Neville believes Manchester United surprised Ajax with their massive offer for Antony.

The Brazil international, who rose to prominence under Erik ten Hag at Ajax, became United’s main transfer target last summer.

The Red Devils eventually completed an £85m deal for the forward toward the end of the transfer window. But the 23-year-old’s performances in United’s jersey have been far from convincing as he struggles to replicate his Ajax form at Old Trafford.

Neville, who has been a vocal critic of United’s hierarchy, has slammed the club’s transfer policy in an interview with Webby & O’Neill.

“Would I have paid £90m [sic] for Antony? No. No club would. But that’s Manchester United, it’s what we do in this last 10 years, we overpay,” the former United star said.

He added: “Antony, to be fair, Ajax couldn’t believe that they offered that much money for him.

“Ajax had already done their business for the summer by letting Lisandro Martinez go for £50m. They’d already got their money.

“They just said yes because they couldn’t believe [how much was being offered]. They liked Antony, he was a talented player, but they couldn’t believe it was like £80m or £90m – you know, €100m!”