Netherlands legend Marco van Basten believes Ajax attacking midfielder Mohammed Kudus is a “much better football player” than Manchester United’s Antony.

The Ghanaian international was linked with a £40m move to Old Trafford in the summer but the Red Devils ultimately ended up breaking the bank to recruit his Brazilian teammate instead. Van Basten doesn’t think that was the correct decision, with the Dutch icon claiming Kudus has greater footballing intelligence, better technical skills and the ability to play in more positions:

“I find Mohammed Kudus a much better football player than Antony. Antony has his skills, but he is confused with the things he is trying to do! Kudus has much better technique and he knows what he is doing. Antony may be faster, but Kudus is smarter and more technical.”

“He is much more of a footballer, you can place him anywhere on the pitch, an all-rounder for the team. In fact, I like him much better than Antony. He’s more fun to watch play.”

It’s fair to say that, after having a good start to his United career, Antony has failed to kick on in recent months and he has been on the receiving end of a good deal of criticism from fans. Many were expecting more from a player who cost £86m.

Kudus, meanwhile, has been in great form for Ajax, having scored 15 times in 30 appearances, including four goals during the Champions League group stages.

Other Premier League teams, including Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea have been linked with the 22-year-old so he could still end up moving to England.