Gabriel Barbosa: Manchester United given blunt response to transfer interest amid Antony plan | OneFootball

Alex Young @alexwsyoung

Manchester United's hopes of swapping flop Antony for Gabriel Barbosa have been dashed.

Reports emerged earlier this week that United were looking into an audacious January deal to send Antony back to his homeland of Brazil in exchange for Flamengo star Gabigol.

Antony has endured a tough time since his startling £82million move from Antony and was recently called out by United legend Rio Ferdinand after another toothless display, this time against Fulham.

"Listen, he’s played 11 games this season with no goals and zero assists, from an attacking player that’s not good enough, that’s the facts," Ferdinand said on TNT Sports.

Days later United were linked with bringing Barbosa to the Premier League.

Barbosa has long been touted as a top talent in Brazil but his sole venture into European football at Inter Milan was a failure and he's been permanently back in Brazil, and back among the goals, for three years.

A key player for Flamengo, Gabigol still has a year to run on his contract and the club's vice-president was blunt with his response when asked about United's supposed interest and the possibility the forward leaves.