When Antony made an immediate impact with a goal just 35 minutes into his Manchester United debut, it seemed to confirm Erik ten Hag’s belief in the Brazilian winger. Signed from Ajax for a substantial €95 million (plus €5 million in add-ons), Antony was expected to address United’s issues on the flanks, especially after Jadon Sancho’s disappointing first season at Old Trafford.
His debut goal, which helped United to a 3-1 victory over Arsenal, was followed by additional strikes against Manchester City and Everton in the Premier League. With three goals in his first six games, Antony appeared to be settling in quickly, offering hope that United had secured a major attacking asset.
Initial Optimism Turns to Frustration
However, Antony’s form soon began to falter. Over the course of two years, his output drastically dropped, with only nine goals in 81 appearances for United. This season, he has scored just once, a penalty in a 7-0 Carabao Cup win over Barnsley, a third-tier side.
Despite a relatively positive first season in which he scored eight goals, fans’ patience has worn thin as Antony’s performances have failed to justify his hefty price tag. Once considered a key figure in United’s rebuild, he now finds himself relegated to the bottom of the pecking order for wide positions. The promising start now feels distant, and his future at the club is uncertain.
Controversy Surrounding His Move
Antony’s transfer to United was not without controversy. In August 2022, he went on strike at Ajax, refusing to play in their 1-0 victory over Sparta Rotterdam to force through his move. His actions were met with criticism from Ajax manager Alfred Schreuder, who accused the player of prioritizing financial gain over loyalty to the club. “Nowadays, everything is about money, and I think this is sad,” Schreuder remarked. Despite the drama, the deal was finalized, and United fans hoped Antony would bring much-needed flair to their attack.
Underperforming and Facing an Uncertain Future
Unfortunately for Antony, his performances under Ten Hag have largely underwhelmed. While Ten Hag had initially advocated for his signing, Antony’s reliance on a narrow set of skills and his failure to adapt to the rigors of the Premier League have left him out of favor.
Now, with Rúben Amorim taking over at the helm, Antony has a chance to turn things around, but his position at the club remains precarious. Amorim’s arrival signals a shift in tactics, which could provide Antony with an opportunity to revive his career. However, he has yet to make a significant impact this season, and time is running out for the winger to prove he can be a valuable asset to the team.
From Promise to Example of “Dumb Money”?
Antony’s transfer has increasingly been viewed as an example of United’s costly missteps in the transfer market. Once seen as a potential game-changer for the club, Antony now risks being remembered as another high-priced failure. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s recent critique of United’s past spending habits has only intensified the scrutiny surrounding the Brazilian’s transfer.
For Antony, the path ahead is clear: rediscover the form that made him a marquee signing or face the possibility of being moved on as United continues its rebuild under new leadership. The coming months will likely determine whether his time at Old Trafford becomes a cautionary tale or a story of redemption.
