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Manchester United winger Antony has been slammed for “thinking he was a real baller in the Eredivisie,” even as his struggles in England continue.
On Erik ten Hag’s strong recommendation, United forked out an enormous £85m to sign Antony from Ajax in the summer of 2022.
Ten Hag knew Antony very well from their time together at Ajax and may have thought the winger would seamlessly slot into his plans at Old Trafford.
However, the opposite has largely been the case. So far, Antony has failed to justify his massive price tag, only managing five goals and three assists in 55 Premier League appearances. His performances, especially last season, left a lot to be desired and as a result, the player constantly found himself on the end of criticism from fans and the media.
The Brazilian lost his place in the team to Alejandro Garnacho, who showed far more attacking threat and efficiency in comparison.
This term, Ten Hag has demonstrated a clear preference for Amad Diallo on the right wing, with Antony having to be content with a place on the bench.
However, the 24-year-old got a rare start on Tuesday as the Red Devils demolished Barnsley 7-0 in the third round of the EFL Cup. Antony got on the score sheet after a selfless Marcus Rashford gifted him a penalty kick in the first half.
However, it seems that Antony’s performance did not convince everyone, with Dutch football expert Marcel van der Kraan aiming a dig at the United no.21 while on talkSPORT.
According to Van der Kraan, Ten Hag will be hoping that Antony still comes good as it was on his word that the club bought the forward.
Van der Kraan said, “Erik ten Hag is praying it will still happen because, on his advice, so much money was spent on this player. It’s the usual trap that Dutch coaches fall for when they go to England, they’ve seen players in the Netherlands that have done alright.”
“Antony came from Brazil, joined Ajax and in Brazil, he was a big talent. He comes to the Eredivisie which is not on the same level. He thought he was a real baller in the Eredivisie. Yes, you are against the likes of Utrecht and Go Ahead Eagles.”
“You only play three or four big games in a season and yes he did light the stadium up a few times in the big games but it’s not a consistent period. Then he came to England and thought ‘Oh hang on, I’m facing really tough opponents.’”
Van der Kraan emphasised that Antony must do better against higher-quality opposition as it’s not enough to just perform against the likes of Barnsley.
“In the past, he would scrap a bit as well. He was one of those Brazil street kids who would do that and he’s found out that when he meets some boys from London or Manchester or Liverpool who grew up on the streets there, they’re just as tough as him.”
“If Antony’s level of playing has gone down to the Carabao Cup against Barnsley, then that is not the sort of line you want to take in your career when you move for so much money.”
Up next for Antony and his teammates is a tricky Saturday trip to Selhurst Park to face Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace.
Feature image Paul Ellis via Getty Images
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2024-09-18 22:30:14
