“I think I will win the Ballon D’or one day. I was happy when they sacked Erik ten Hag. He was not playing me the right way. But I will show the fans that I am on our next match under Rúben Amorim. He is my type of coach.”-BREAKING NEWS: Antony promises Manchester United fans that he will be back to scoring under Rúben Amorim and why he has been under-performing.
Antony’s Journey at Manchester United: From Bright Beginnings to Uncertain Prospects
Antony made an electrifying start to his Manchester United career, scoring just 35 minutes into his debut against Arsenal. The Brazilian winger, brought in from Ajax for a hefty €95 million fee (plus €5 million in add-ons), was seen as the answer to the club’s struggles on the wings, particularly following Jadon Sancho’s underwhelming first season. His debut goal contributed to a 3-1 victory, and subsequent strikes against Manchester City and Everton within his first six matches hinted at a promising future. With three goals early on, fans and management alike believed United had secured a valuable attacking weapon.
A Decline in Performance
Despite the initial optimism, Antony’s form soon nosedived. Over two years, he managed just nine goals in 81 appearances for United, with his only goal this season coming from the penalty spot in a 7-0 Carabao Cup win against lower-league Barnsley. His debut season offered glimmers of potential, yielding eight goals, but the winger has since failed to meet expectations. Frustration among fans has grown, with his performances increasingly falling short of the investment made in him. Once seen as a cornerstone for United’s rebuild, Antony has now slipped down the hierarchy for wide positions, casting doubt over his future at the club.
A Controversial Move to Manchester
Antony’s transfer was mired in controversy. In August 2022, the winger effectively went on strike at Ajax, sitting out a match against Sparta Rotterdam to push through his move to United. Ajax manager Alfred Schreuder openly criticized Antony’s actions, accusing him of valuing financial gain over loyalty. Schreuder lamented, “Nowadays, everything revolves around money, and it’s disappointing.” Despite the drama, the deal was completed, and United fans eagerly awaited the flair Antony was expected to bring to the squad.
Struggling Under Premier League Pressure
Under Erik ten Hag, the manager who had advocated for his signing, Antony has struggled to adapt to the demands of the Premier League. His limited skill set and inability to consistently deliver have made him a peripheral figure. With the arrival of Rúben Amorim as United’s new manager, Antony has an opportunity to revive his career under fresh tactics, but his time to make an impact is running out. Thus far, he has failed to seize the chance to reestablish himself as a key player.
From Key Signing to Transfer Regret?
Antony’s big-money transfer is increasingly seen as emblematic of United’s mismanagement in the transfer market. Once hailed as a transformative signing, he now risks being remembered as an expensive misstep. Recent comments from Sir Jim Ratcliffe criticizing United’s history of excessive spending have only amplified scrutiny on Antony’s underwhelming contribution.
For Antony, the stakes are clear: rediscover the form that earned him the move to Old Trafford or face being sidelined as United continues to rebuild under new leadership. The next few months will likely determine whether his story becomes one of redemption or serves as a cautionary tale of u
nfulfilled promise.
