The Ghanian is wanted by old boss Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford (Pictures: Getty)

Dutch legend Marco van Basten has praised the recent performances of Ajax starlet – and Manchester United target – Mohammed Kudus and believes he is a ‘much better’ footballer than Antony.

The Red Devils forked out around £86million to sign the Brazilian winger last summer, though he has only mustered three Premier League goals and zero assists since his big-money move.

Kudus, meanwhile, was used rather sporadically by axed Ajax boss Alfred Schreuder, though he has been a mainstay since Johnny Heitinga took charge at the end of last month – and has delivered some excellent performances.

He was on the scoresheet once again in Sunday’s 4-0 win over Sparta Rotterdam and now has four goals and an assist in his last five outings, and 16 goal involvements in 27 appearances across the Eredivisie and Champions League this season.

The 22-year-old also enjoyed an impressive individual World Cup, netting twice for Ghana, and is believed to be on Erik ten Hag’s wish list for the summer transfer window.

Now Van Basten has been waxing lyrical about the winger and feels he is a far more complete footballer than former team-mate Antony.

‘I find Mohammed Kudus a much better football player than Antony,’ Van Basten said on Ziggo Sport on Monday evening.

Ten Hag worked with Kudus while he was at Ajax (Picture: Getty)

‘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.’

He added: ‘In fact, I like him much better than Antony. He’s more fun to watch play.’

Fellow pundit and former Netherlands international Jan Mulder agreed, adding: ‘Kudus is Ajax’s best player. What a class player.

‘Why didn’t he always play under Schreuder? He often sat on the bench! You let him play three or four games in a row and you immediately see his class.’

Kudus will be central to Ajax’s hopes of progressing in the Europa League when they take on Union Berlin on Thursday evening, while United are still sweating over Antony’s fitness with the Brazilian having missed the last four matches with a leg injury.

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The in-form attacker is wanted by old boss Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.