SUMMARY
- Antony has been a terrible signing for Manchester United.
- Erik ten Hag believes the Brazilian can still turn his situation around.
Antony’s tenure at Manchester United has been nothing short of a nightmare. The Brazilian had arrived at Old Trafford from AFC Ajax for around $95 million, and clearly, his performances haven’t justified the huge price tag.
It’s been almost two years since the 24-year-old’s transfer, and Antony is still yet to touch double figures in terms of goals. The Brazilian has played in 24 Premier League games in the 23/24 season and has just one assist to show for his performances.
Antony to Manchester United, here we go! Agreement in principle with Ajax, €100m fee. Contract until June 2027 with option until 2028. To be signed tomorrow. 🚨🔴🇧🇷 #MUFC
Contracts being prepared, it’s Eredivisie historical record fee — Antony will be in Manchester next week. pic.twitter.com/Wr9mUiX1Ud
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 28, 2022
His poor statistics for ‘The Red Devils’ have invited strong criticism from some of the former Manchester United players. However, it seems like even after Antony’s dismal tenure and widespread criticism, the Brazilian’s coach is still not giving up on him.
Erik ten Hag believes Antony is about to reach his potential
Before reuniting at United, the Dutch tactician had worked with the 24-year-old at Eredivisie side AFC Ajax. In fact, it was Erik who identified the talent inside him and transformed the Brazilian into a prolific winger. Hence, Manchester United fans were more than excited when their side announced the signing of the Brazilian.
Erik ten Hag’s love affair for the Brazilian seems to continue at Manchester United as well. The Dutch tactician is shielding his beloved player from the criticisms and believes that Antony is slowly regaining his confidence. The 54-year-old also believes that the game against Chelsea might be the beginning of the 24-year-old’s redemption arc.
He said, “I know he is capable of playing like he did vs Chelsea, I saw him do it so often at Ajax.” Antony looked like his former self against Chelsea, playing with his trademark class and confidence.
🔴🇧🇷 Ten Hag on Antony: “I know he is capable of playing like he did vs Chelsea, I saw him do it so often at Ajax”.
“Here we saw it at the start during the first matches, then intermittently like against Barcelona, but he is capable of it”. pic.twitter.com/MGHSMWeBKm
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 7, 2024
The Brazilian also gave out a fantastic assist for Alejandro Garnacho’s second goal of the match. Erik ten Hag believes that he saw glimpses of Antony at Ajax in the Brazilian’s performance against Chelsea.
The Dutch tactician also clarified that the 24-year-old has not been completely useless at Manchester United. The Brazilian had produced some terrific performances when he first arrived at United, particularly against FC Barcelona in the Europa League 22/23.
Erik ten Hag said, “Here we saw it at the start during the first matches, then intermittently like against Barcelona, but he is capable of it”. The United manager feels that with proper training and a positive attitude, Antony will soon regain his form.
Former Manchester United players have continued to slam Antony
Despite his coach’s backing, the Brazilian player has been mercilessly hammered by former ‘Red Devils’. Many of the English club’s legends have questioned the player’s in-game decision-making and his ability to handle pressure. Some have also commented that Antony’s dribbling is pretty overrated.
Former Manchester United right-back Garry Neville criticized the 24-year-old for viciously kicking Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku after the latter had dribbled past him. Garry, who was commentating on the match, was absolutely livid with the United player, who wanted Antony to be sent off.
He said, “That’s absolutely ridiculous, I should have sent him off. Absolutely ridiculous from Antony, it’s embarrassing.” Manchester United was losing the Premier League 23/24 game against rivals Manchester City by 3-0, which frustrated the Brazilian. (via Goal)
Jeremy Doku had words for Antony after this challenge in stoppage time during the Manchester derby. pic.twitter.com/Xu6Fxbch3G
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 29, 2023
Antony’s dribbling is pretty revered amongst the Manchester United fanbase. But it looks like the 24-year-old’s skills haven’t been able to impress the former United center-back, Rio Ferdinand. The 45-year-old said, “The concerning thing for me with somebody like Antony is that he can’t beat anyone – and for a Brazilian that’s surprising!” (via talkSPORT)
In addition to this, Rio Ferdinand has said that Antony is not fit enough to handle the pressure of a Manchester United player. Certainly, such words must have taken a huge toll on the Brazilian’s confidence.
It is not a surprise that the 24-year-old hasn’t been a top performer at the English club, but definitely, some of the criticism has been unwarranted. Instead of mocking Antony, the Manchester United legends should have protected the player just like his coach did.
🚨🇧🇷 Rio Ferdinand: “I think Antony, if he looks at his game he will say to himself: ‘I’m not where I want to be and I’m not doing what I thought I was doing. Yes, he scored some important goals here and there, but if he’s honest with himself, he’ll tell himself he needs to do… pic.twitter.com/d5RoGC1Vxx
— UtdPlug (@UtdPlug) March 14, 2023
Erik ten Hag’s commitment in this regard is also very commendable, as he hasn’t allowed the player to take on any excessive pressure. Some of the former Manchester United players who have criticized Antony on the on the right, left, and center should rather learn this value from the United coach.