Flamengo chief responds to Gabriel Barbosa to Manchester United transfer links

Flamengo's vice president has rubbished the claims that Manchester United could sign Gabriel Barbosa in an ambitious swap deal in the January transfer window.

United have endured a terrible start to the new season and scoring goals has once again proved to be a huge problem. Erik ten Hag's side are by far the lowest scorers in the Premier League top 10 with a meagre 12 and have only scored more than twice on one occasion in each competition.

Rasmus Hojlund has looked promising but hasn't delivered in front of goal as of yet as he continues to wait for his first league goal. As a result, United are being linked with a move for a striker in the new year.

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That has led to links with Flamengo's Gabriel 'Gabigol' Barbosa, who has netted 139 goals in 246 matches for the Brazilian club. The Sunday Mirror reported at the weekend United would attempt to sign the forward by offering winger Antony on loan for the rest of the season in exchange.

However, Flamengo chief Marco Braz has moved to put an end to the speculation. When asked for comment on the rumours by O Globo, via SportWitness, the vice president replied: "Zero chance."

There has been further suggestion in the Brazilian press that Barbosa is only being linked away as he is currently negotiating a new contract with the club. The 27-year-old's current contract is set to expire in December 2024.

Additionally, despite Antony's continued struggle for form, it seems unlikely United would let him go given their lack of senior options on the flank with the possibility of Jadon Sancho departing in January already.