Manchester United’s head coach, Erik ten Hag, has emphasized that Brazilian winger Antony must “earn the right” to play regularly for the team. The winger, who was signed from Ajax for a staggering £82 million in 2022, is currently the second-most expensive player in the club’s history, behind Paul Pogba. However, Antony’s performance since joining has raised concerns about his ability to justify the investment.
Antony’s Underwhelming Performance at Manchester United
Since his arrival, Antony has struggled to make a significant impact. In 55 Premier League appearances, the 24-year-old has only managed to score five goals and provide three assists. Last season was particularly challenging for him, as he contributed just one goal and one assist while Manchester United finished eighth in the league standings.
Tough Competition for a Place in the Squad
This season, Antony has found himself on the bench for much of the campaign, playing only one competitive minute in a match against Brighton. His competitors for the starting role, such as Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Amad Diallo, have all delivered stronger performances, putting additional pressure on Antony to prove his worth.
With United’s Carabao Cup third-round match against Barnsley approaching, Antony is hoping for more involvement, but Ten Hag has made it clear that the winger must fight for his spot in the team. “He’s impatient; he wants to play,” said the United manager. “But in top football, players have to fight for their positions. The team is selected based on who has the best dynamic and chemistry.”
Ten Hag’s Firm Message: Performance in Training Is Key
Ten Hag has praised Rashford, Garnacho, and Amad for their contributions this season, which has added to the challenge for Antony. “The other players are doing so well – they’re contributing,” said Ten Hag. “Antony must get over them. He has to earn his place through hard work in training.”
The United manager also refrained from revealing any specific details about his squad for the upcoming match against Barnsley, stating that “players have to earn the right to play every day in training.”
Antony’s Future: A Test of Determination and Focus
As Antony navigates the intense competition for a spot in the starting lineup, his future at Manchester United depends on his ability to rise to the challenge. His recent links to Turkish club Fenerbahce during the transfer window suggest that his place at Old Trafford is far from secure. The coming weeks will be critical as Antony attempts to regain form and secure a regular role under Erik ten Hag’s leadership.
